Attorney at Law Magazine interviewed Jayne Conroy. She is a shareholder of Simmons Hanly Conroy. Conroy, a leader in complex litigation, and the firm have been at the forefront in unprecedented litigation to solve the ongoing opioid crisis, and they’ve consistently secured billions in verdicts and settles for those who were injured by corporate wrongdoing.
AALM Why did you become an attorney
JC : My family was a problem-solving one. My father was an engineer and a living example of intellectual tenacity and perseverance. As I watched him take on a variety of projects, all with unexpected obstacles, he was a living example. He faced them all with great resolve and instilled the same spirit in me.
In the meantime, I became increasingly interested in healthcare. I noticed a disturbing trend: large corporations harming unsuspecting customers. This concern grew into a passion for justice for victims of corporate misbehavior.
Then, I had an epiphany and realized that my mission was to combine my problem-solving abilities with my growing interest for healthcare and corporate accountability. Since then, my career has been dedicated to holding those accountable who violate the safety and trust of communities across the country.
AALM What motivated you to dedicate your legal career towards helping those who have been injured by corporate wrongdoing? Especially in the context the opioid epidemic.
JCCorporate misbehavior doesn’t only affect the recipients in the short term; it can have ramifications that last for generations. The consequences of corporate misconduct are left to society. Consider the opioid crisis. Millions of Americans were exposed to addiction as a result of the reckless practices of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the country.
Addiction can be a powerful enemy, and is only made worse when corporations act inappropriately. We must hold these corporations accountable and require them to help reverse the damage that they have caused.
Settlements are geared towards healing the community in response to this type of misconduct. The funds are channeled to local communities in order to increase the resources available for combating the opioid epidemic. The funding will be used to enhance emergency response teams and increase access to Narcan, naloxone and other vital resources. It is important to focus on saving lives and rescuing communities from the grip of the epidemic.
AALM Which case was the most difficult and how did it affect you?
JC Two of the most difficult cases I have tackled are the multi-district litigations involving DePuy Artificial Hip Implant Recall, and opioid cases.
DePuy’s case was a particularly difficult one due to the technicality of defective hip implants. It took a lot of patience and expertise to understand and present complex engineering details. We were able to achieve a $1 billion settlement on behalf of the victims despite these challenges.
Opioid MDL cases, on the other hand presented a different set of challenges. Multiple defendants were involved, from pharmaceutical companies to doctors, and a large number of plaintiffs. To ensure that the plaintiffs’ claims were adequately represented, while navigating complex legal theories and scientific evidence relating to addiction, required a great deal of coordination and detail.
Both cases helped me to improve my ability as an attorney when it comes to handling complex litigation cases that involve multiple parties and technical proof.
AALM How do you prioritize and manage the different cases and responsibilities with the opioid epidemic?
JC : Navigating the vast terrain of the opioid crisis requires strategic prioritization, and collaborative efforts. This crisis affects countless people and communities. Collective legal action is needed to address it. Many U.S. firms are committed to holding corporations responsible for their role in fueling the epidemic.
We have created an impressive, nationwide force by uniting our efforts. This allows us to deal with the complexity of these complex cases more efficiently. I’m so fortunate to be able to work with a team of exceptional attorneys. It’s only through our collective effort that we have been able make significant progress.
AALM What advice would you offer to attorneys interested in pursuing careers in law as a leader?
JCA legal career requires dedication, patience and adaptability. Our cases are often complex and long, and require perseverance and a commitment to resolution. In our field, collaboration is essential. Managing diverse personalities and resolving conflicts are key skills.
Further, technical proficiency is not just an option. Understanding and leveraging technology is important as legal proceedings move to virtual platforms. This can save time and reduce confusion. I encourage all aspiring lawyers to keep up with the latest technological advancements, as they are becoming essential tools in modern law practice.
AALM What initiatives or efforts are you involved in outside of your legal work?
JC : Beyond my legal practice, i actively engage with law students and young lawyers around the country to discuss landmark cases and corporate malfeasance. It is incredibly rewarding to see the next generation of lawyers take a keen interest in promoting social justice and public interest.
I also meet with and speak to legal organizations all over the country. When I work on a case affecting a particular community, like the recent train accident in East Palestine I make it a point to speak with the local residents to understand their personal experiences and how our work can help them.
AALM How can you maintain a balance between work and life while dealing with emotionally and high-stakes cases?
JC :I spend most of my spare time at Cape Cod in Massachusetts with family and friends. It is important to me that I spend time with my family and friends, as it helps me relax after a long day of reading, writing, and reviewing cases.
AALM Tell me a bit about your outside life.
JC : When I’m not at work, my favorite hobbies are gardening, boating and cooking, as well searching for vintage clothing and home decor.
The post Jayne Conroy, Leading the Charge against the Opioid Crisis first appeared on Attorney at Law Magazine.