Mary Alexander: President of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America ; Principal in the firm of Mary Alexander and Associates, San Francisco – ATLA – Movers & Shakers – career background – Interview
Career Background
Concentrated on personal injury cases, products liability, and business litigation. Prior to going to law school, received Master’s degree in Public Health; medical toxicology researcher and director in environmental health at Stanford Research Institute.
Personal
Law degree at the University of Santa Clara and a Master’s degree in public health at the University of California Berkeley. Undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa. One daughter, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren. Husband Skip Faulkner is a businessman and Vietnam combat veteran.
Claim to Fame
President of the Consumer Attorneys of California during the initiative 200 campaign, winning a major statewide battle against three tort reform initiatives.
Best Day
“The birth of my daughter. And, second and third, the birth of my grandchildren.”
Worst Day
“Everyone has bad days. I just try to find way to seek out something good, even when things seem at their worst. I move forward knowing that I am fighting for the rights of ordinary people.”
In Ten Years
“Still practicing law. still representing people who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance against powerful corporations.”
Immediate Goals
“Professionally, I’m focused on protecting the consumer rights when they come under attack on Capitol Hill — in particular protecting patients who have been injured by medical malpractice. I’d like to spend more time with my grandchildren.”
Political Hero
Eleanor Roosevelt.
Secrets of Success
“Work hard, stay committed, and always stay calm under pressure.”
Biggest Gripe
“Insurance companies that don’t treat people fairly.”
Predictions
“That the U.S. Senate will show they care about people and defeat the pending medical malpractice legislation that would deprive the patients most severely injured by malpractice of their rights.”
Favorite Books
Burden of Proof, Scott Turow.
Favorite Movies
“Gone with the Wind”, “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Best Moment in a Campaign
“The night the people of California defeated the ‘Terrible 200’ tort ‘reform’ initiatives.”
Worst Moment
“The one moment when we thought we might have lost the ‘Terrible 200’ campaign before all the precinct results were in.
If I Were President For A Day
“Ensure that ordinary people always have access to justice and that people who serve on juries are honored for their patriotic service to their country.”
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COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
