Anna Greenberg, a personal injury lawyer with Blizzard Law in Houston, talks about moving cases forward during COVID-19, not underestimating yourself, and becoming a creative problem solver.

COVID update -

Still maintaining a full case load and moving cases forward
Staying on track with current deadlines
Regular Zoom calls with the staff to stay on the same page
Clients have been reassured their cases are moving forward; still filing things; still pursuing remote discovery; still taking their calls
Everyone has perseverance when it comes to the law; staff has been so committed; the care for their clients doesn't stop with COVID-19

Anna's firm and practice

Blizzard Law handles mass tort pharmaceutical and medical device litigation and some personal injury cases and some medical malpractice cases
trans mesh
Talcum powder
IVC filter
Her focus is more on medical malpractice cases
tough in Texas because of damage caps on non-economic damages
Human trafficking cases against the hotel industry
Lots of statutory hurdles to clear in medical malpractice cases; quick deadlines to prove up your case
Ed Blizzard (her dad and founder of the firm) is so well respected in this area of the law; they have tried a case together now and she is learning so much from working with him and watching him

Practicing law and raising a family

Challenging but doable!
recruiter ruled her out for partnership at a firm because she mentioned wanting to start a family...made her so mad!
Very efficient at work and don't waste time so she can get home to see her daughter

Advice for young lawyers

Don't underestimate yourself; can be inexperienced but also valuable
You can become the expert in certain aspects of the case and be a go-to person
Did this in her first MDL case and led to her being able to attend the prestigious/exclusive Rodney Jew sessions
Hard work always stands out
Take initiative; don't do the bare minimum; offer ideas; demonstrate leadership
creativity and problem solving is key
For business development, networking can only get you so far
Get familiar with how to gather cases through the internet

When looking to get hired at a law firm

Strong writing is key, so either in the cover letter or writing sample it is important to showcase this skill
If a writing sample isn't asked for and you are a strong writer, volunteer to submit one
In an interview it's important to show that you care about the work and that you want to be there; don't be arrogant and act like you are interviewing the firm

Future of work

Work with trial director programs that can be used in depos and at trial
if you can run it yourself during the depo it will benefit the firm and client
also good to be able to respond if there is an issue at trial

Rapid Fire Qs

One trait you want to see in an associate: attention to detail
Key Habit: over-preparation
Favorite App/Tool: Adobe!
Favorite Social Distancing Activity: playing with water balloons with her daughter
Favorite Legal Movie: A Few Good Men