No person should have to suffer from an asbestos-related disease, and no family should experience that heartache. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases cause suffering that would never have happened if companies who profited from asbestos-containing products had acted responsibly. As an attorney, I can’t undo the pain these companies have caused, but I can work through our legal system to secure the justice and compensation our clients and their families deserve.
Brittany A. Russell joined Weitz & Luxenberg’s knowledgeable and committed Mesothelioma and Asbestos litigation unit in May 2018. “I’m excited for the opportunity to work at Weitz & Luxenberg and to represent the wonderful families who come to us for help,” indicates Ms. Russell.
Weitz & Luxenberg feels equally privileged Ms. Russell decided to join our team of asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys. She brings an enthusiasm and energy that are well matched among her colleagues.
Helping People Harmed by Asbestos
“As far back as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be an attorney and help people,” Ms. Russell points out. “Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to be able to work with clients who have developed mesothelioma and other illnesses from asbestos exposure.
“These families have had to face some of the most difficult challenges in their lives, but meeting with them in their homes, hearing and sharing their stories with jurors, and achieving a victory for them is incredibly rewarding and satisfying,” Ms. Russell says.
“There’s no better place to do that than Weitz & Luxenberg,” Ms. Russell adds.
“Years ago, before I was born, my great grandfather was a client of Weitz & Luxenberg. He developed lung cancer from exposure to asbestos while working as a welder at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
“When I work with clients who have developed mesothelioma, I have an opportunity to visit them in their kitchens and get to know them. I want to do the very best I can to help them.
“I imagine being in their shoes. I want them to share their stories with me so I can share their stories with others. I want to be an advocate for them. Especially in court, if it comes to that.
“I want to tell jurors exactly what asbestos exposure can do, how it can change lives and hurt families.
Asbestos Has Been Hurting People for More than a Century
“As early as 1898, people suspected asbestos was dangerous. By 1918, insurance companies knew enough about its dangers that they would not sell life insurance to asbestos workers,” Ms. Russell explains.
“Companies that continued to expose people to asbestos acted unconscionably. I can’t undo what they’ve done to harm families, but I can and will fight for the compensation our clients and their families deserve.
Experienced in Asbestos Exposure Legal Field
Ms. Russell comes to Weitz & Luxenberg an experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorney. She has been representing victims of asbestos exposure for more than four years.
Clients at her previous employer had developed mesothelioma and lung cancer. Not only has Ms. Russell tried dozens of cases in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, she has also secured victories on behalf of her clients suffering from asbestos-related diseases.
Mesothelioma Victories in Court
In November 2021, Ms. Russell secured a $23 million jury verdict for her client. Her client was an office worker in an industrial laundry facility, who contracted mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos containing press pads.
“Our client had been battling mesothelioma for over five years. She had tried every treatment available to her, including experimental clinical trials. She said she knew there probably wouldn’t be a cure for mesothelioma in her lifetime, but she hoped her participation in clinical trials would spare somebody else from suffering in the future. It was an absolute honor to represent such a kind-hearted, resilient woman. I’m grateful to the jurors, who listened to her story, believed her, and returned a verdict that acknowledged her tremendous suffering,” shares Ms. Russell.
In October 2017, Ms. Russell won a $13.61 million verdict on behalf of a 59-year-old client who had developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos decades before. From 1977 to 1980, he worked at a power plant when he was in his late teens and early 20s.
“He was the greatest guy,” Ms. Russell recalls. “He was young — my parents’ age. He left behind a wife and two daughters. His family reminded me of my family. I can’t imagine the pain of losing your dad to an asbestos-related disease. It’s a tragedy that should not have happened.
“Mesothelioma is completely preventable. The defendants in that case knew they were exposing people to a carcinogen, and they lied about it. It’s horrific and absolutely inexcusable.
“As attorneys, we’re not able to undo the harm our clients have suffered. But if I can play a role in securing a victory for our clients and provide some compensation, that is satisfying. I’d like to believe I’ve made their lives and their family’s a little better,” Ms. Russell says.
Ms. Russell is also noted for these legal victories:
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- $4 Million — Ms. Russell won this verdict in Utica, New York, on behalf of a 65-year-old former plant worker who developed mesothelioma and lung cancer. This verdict was the largest asbestos verdict to date against a nonmanufacturer supplier in New York State.
- 3.2 Million — Ms. Russell won this $3.2 million verdict on behalf of a 57-year-old U.S. Navy veteran in Schenectady, New York.
The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40
At the end of 2017, Ms. Russell was invited to become a member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 organization. Membership in this professional organization is by invitation only.
While still in her 20s, Ms. Russell was named one of the top 40 civil plaintiffs’ attorneys under the age of 40 in New York State. She has been chosen for the list each year since 2017.
According to the organization’s website, members of this elite group must “demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature and public profile … Invitees must exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership as a young lawyer under the age of 40.”
Awards and Other Notable Legal Achievements
Even before entering the workforce, Ms. Russell was garnering attention for her exceptional skills in the courtroom. The Fordham University School of Law selected Ms. Russell as the first woman ever to receive its Abraham Abramovsky Award for outstanding performance in trial advocacy. Currently, Ms. Russell teaches trial advocacy at her alma mater. Her students voted her Trial Advocacy Coach of the Year for the 2020-21 school year.
She was also the recipient of the university’s Archibald R. Murray Public Service Award, cum laude. In addition, Ms. Russell excelled at competitive law school trial advocacy competitions, winning a number of regional titles including the New York Region of the National Trial Competition.
Works Hard and Enjoys Personal Life
Outside of work, Ms. Russell loves the beach and spending time with her “big and loud” Irish-Italian family. A great day, she says, would be sitting on the beach on Long Island, New York with her family, listening to a Yankees game on the radio.
Ms. Russell is licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
She earned her J.D. from Fordham University’s School of Law in New York City and her B.A. from Fordham University, Fordham College at Rose Hill, in the Bronx.
