Deborah Chang headshot
Rewriting HERstory One Verdict at a Time
Award-Winning Trial Lawyers Handling Cases Nationwide
Scroll or swipe to read article.
Insight

IN PARTNERSHIP

Athea Trial Lawyers: Be a Part of HerStory

 Athea Trial Lawyers headshot gold jewlery black top
JS

Justin Smulison

May 15, 2024 05:04 PM

Athea Trial Lawyers

Civil Litigation, Catastrophic Injury, Wrongful Death, Product Liability

Six of the country’s most established and respected plaintiffs lawyers united in 2022 to create a new firm that would extend the reach of their exceptional advocacy to injured victims and their families nationwide.

Athea Trial Lawyers has since emerged as a powerhouse law firm that has made an undeniable impact on the civil litigation landscape, handling class actions, torts and complex matters stemming from medical malpractice, recklessness, negligence and systemic failures. Led by renowned female attorneys known for resolving high-profile and high-value cases, Athea Trial Lawyers is proudly ranked Tier 1 in Los Angeles for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs in 2024 Best Law Firms®.

The firm’s six founders – Charla Aldous, Randi McGinn, Bibi Fell, Lisa Blue, Zoe Littlepage and Deborah Chang – are regarded as modern-day trailblazers for securing record-breaking and multimillion-dollar victories throughout the U.S. in all areas of catastrophic injury. Headquartered in Southern California, the partners concurrently lead their own firms and also unite to operate Athea Trial Lawyers.

“Each of us has successfully advocated, against all odds, for those who feel voiceless and powerless,” said Chang, who was named the 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs in Los Angeles by The Best Lawyers in America®. “Collectively, our results have led to change in the way of patient care, women’s reproductive treatments and various other medical processes.”

These results include:

  • $268.6 million on behalf of a 13-year-old who died due to physicians administering too much of the sedation drug, Propofol.
  • $160.5 million for the victim of a traumatic brain injury.
  • $134 million on behalf of three women who developed breast cancer after taking Wyeth's defective hormone therapy drugs.
  • $105 million against Robert Young, father of the Alkaline Diet, who falsely promised to cure his patients’ cancer through knowingly ineffective treatments.
  • $30.5 million against Los Robles Medical Center in 2023 for negligent care leading to the death of a patient.

But the progress extends beyond litigating against insurance companies and health care systems. The firm also holds well-funded entities, government agencies and corporate defendants accountable for avoidable injuries.

Athea Trial Lawyers secured a deeply emotional verdict on behalf of the family of a globally renowned activist. Esther Nakajjigo, Uganda’s Ambassador for Women and Girls, was killed while exiting Arches National Park in Utah in June 2020. Justice was finally achieved in January 2023, following a five-day trial in December of 2022 in the District of Utah where McGinn, Chang and Littlepage secured a $10.5 million verdict allocated to Nakajjigo’s husband and family in Uganda. The decision is the largest wrongful death verdict issued by a federal court judge in Utah history.

“Esther embodied both inner and outer beauty, and in her 25 years made significant contributions to the advancement of women,” McGinn said. “Challenging a governmental agency is a formidable task, and obtaining a verdict of negligence is an even more arduous endeavor. It was profoundly validating for our clients and our firm when the U.S. government acknowledged its fault and extended an apology for Esther’s untimely and avoidable passing. This sentiment was further amplified upon reviewing the decision rendered by Judge Bruce Jenkins.”

“We gathered witnesses from across the globe to the Utah federal courtroom as a heartfelt tribute to celebrate Esther’s life and enduring impact,” added Littlepage.

The verdict on behalf of Esther Nakajjigo exemplifies the meaningful cases on which the firm and its lawyers have built their reputation. They have favorably resolved civil matters against other well-funded entities such as the Catholic Church, Boeing and various other well-known defendants.

The core of their success is their talent for engaging juries and persuading judges. Furthermore, they consistently enhance their abilities by integrating legal technology expertise into their courtroom narratives.

Founders Aldous* and McGinn** have also been named “Lawyer of the Year” several times by The Best Lawyers in America® in various practice areas since 2009.Fell, Blue and Littlepage have also been praised by legal media for securing precedent-setting, nine-figure resolutions and their leadership positions in the legal community.

“Trying cases is a lost art because our world is based more on mediation and arbitration rather than litigation,” said Blue, who recently finished writing her sixth book on voir dire.

“Athea Trial Lawyers was established to handle cases from start to finish with confidence,” added Fell. “Especially when litigating against some of the world’s largest law firms and corporations.”

The combined talents, resources and resolve of these lawyers provide enormous new opportunities for their prospective clients and for the growth of Athea Trial Lawyers.

“We aspire to inspire,” Aldous said. “Our alliance has motivated many others to enter or rejoin the profession, which demonstrates our ability to reach minds and hearts in and out of the courtroom.”

Be a part of herstory

126 Lomita Street
El Segundo, CA 90245

Ph: 800.664.0161 | 310.742.8063

www.AtheaLaw.com


*Charla Aldous is a founder of Athea Trial Lawyers and a partner of the Dallas-based law firm of Aldous \ Walker LLP. She was recognized by Best Lawyers® as “Lawyer of the Year” in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in 2009, 2017 and 2019 and Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs in 2013, 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2024.

**Randi McGinn is a founder of Athea Trial Lawyers and a partner with the New Mexico firm of McGinn, Montoya, Love & Curry, PA. She was recognized by Best Lawyers® as “Lawyer of the Year” in Albuquerque, NM for Criminal Defense: General Practice in 2011, Criminal Defense: White-Collar in 2013, Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs in 2014 and 2019 and Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs in 2015.

Related Articles

IN PARTNERSHIP

Proving Negligence in a South Carolina Personal Injury Case


by Wyche

In South Carolina, as in other states, there are specific elements of negligence that must be established for a successful personal injury claim.

How to Prove Negligence in a South Carolina Personal Injury

Is Premises Liability the Same as Negligence?


by Jeremy Wilson and Taylor Rodney Marks

In today's age, we are always on the move, often inhabiting spaces we don't own. But what happens when someone else's property injures you or someone you know?

A pair of silhouetted legs falling down a hole with yellow background

Things to Do Before a Car Accident Happens to You


by Ellie Shaffer

In a car accident, certain things are beyond the point of no return, while some are well within an individual's control. Here's how to stay legally prepared.

Car dashcam recording street ahead

IN PARTNERSHIP

Salvi & Maher, LLP: Legal Leaders in Illinois and Wisconsin


by Justin Smulison

For more than 35 years, Salvi & Maher LLP has defended their clients throughout Illinois and Wisconsin in various areas of personal injury law, including medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability and trucking litigation.

Salvi & Maher Law Firm group in front of legal library and cases of books

IN PARTNERSHIP

Common Personal Injury Claims and the Importance of Hiring a Lawyer


by Joshua Michael Palmintier

The Palmintier Law Group sheds light on why it's crucial for individuals to hire legal representation when facing one of many different personal injury claims.

Hard hat on the floor with person in the background

IN PARTNERSHIP

Injured in a Car Accident? 7 Steps You Need To Take Immediately


by Mark H. Perenich

Personal injury lawyer Mark Perenich offers advice on the seven most important steps to take immediately after you have been injured in a car accident.

Man and woman in car with airbags deployed and smoke coming from dash

6 Ways a Lawyer Can Help You With Your Medical Malpractice Claim


by Adam Malone

If you believe you have a medical malpractice claim, contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer. Read on to learn how they can help with your claim.

Doctor in white lab coat showing x-ray to patient in blue scrubs

Understanding Statute of Limitations in Personal Injury Cases


by Best Lawyers

In personal injury cases, the statute of limitations can vary depending on several factors. To navigate the process, consider hiring a legal professional.

Animated woman holding a clock and coin while balancing on plank

History Eraser


by Gregory Sirico

Penguin Random House and several other major book publishing houses filed litigation against Florida education leaders who recently passed a book ban law.

Penguin logo in front of black and white books

"Lawyer of the Year"


Lawyer in suit smiles for professional headshot

Kevin M. Levy

Technology Law

Miami, FL

2025

"Lawyer of the Year"


Man in suit and tie smiling for professional headshot

Dylan D. Rudolph

Litigation - ERISA

San Francisco, CA

2025

Scarlett Law Group: Mastering TBI Trial Law


by Justin Smulison

Randall H. Scarlett shares successes in traumatic brain injury cases, fueling Scarlett Law Group's growth across Northern California with specialized insights.

Two lawyers, suited, standing in front of law firm sign

One of the Greatest Ever...


by Justin Smulison

Steve Yerrid, a top catastrophic injury lawyer, has secured over 300 verdicts of $1M+ and has been recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" multiple times in Tampa.

Lawyer in blue suit poses in office for headshot

"Lawyer of the Year"


Lawyer poses for professional firm headshot

Mindi M. Richter

Copyright Law

Tampa, FL

2025

IN PARTNERSHIP

Georgia Car Accident: How to File a Car Accident Case


by Robert Hammers

In a car accident in Georgia? Read this guide for key steps from actions at the scene to settlement talks and lawsuit filing. Stay informed and prepared.

Figure with clipboard assesses the scene of an accident

New SAFE Act Aims to Tackle Rising Crime in DC


by Gregory Sirico

As DC grapples with skyrocketing crime rates, the Secure Apartments for Everyone Regulation Amendment Act seeks to implement actionable change

Security cameras affixed to animated building

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Combating Nuclear Verdicts: Empirically Supported Strategies to Deflate the Effects of Anchoring Bias


by Sloan L. Abernathy

Sometimes a verdict can be the difference between amicability and nuclear level developments. But what is anchoring bias and how can strategy combat this?

Lawyer speaking in courtroom with crowd and judge in the foreground

Things to Do Before a Car Accident Happens to You


by Ellie Shaffer

In a car accident, certain things are beyond the point of no return, while some are well within an individual's control. Here's how to stay legally prepared.

Car dashcam recording street ahead

The Push and Pitfalls of New York’s Attempt to Expand Wrongful Death Recovery


by Elizabeth M. Midgley and V. Christopher Potenza

The New York State Legislature recently went about updating certain wrongful death provisions and how they can be carried out in the future. Here's the latest.

Red tape blocking off a section of street

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Is Premises Liability the Same as Negligence?


by Jeremy Wilson and Taylor Rodney Marks

In today's age, we are always on the move, often inhabiting spaces we don't own. But what happens when someone else's property injures you or someone you know?

A pair of silhouetted legs falling down a hole with yellow background

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

Best Lawyers Celebrates Women in the Law: Ninth Edition


by Alliccia Odeyemi

Released in both print and digital form, Best Lawyers Ninth Edition of Women in the Law features stories of inspiring leadership and timely legal issues.

Lawyer in green dress stands with hands on table and cityscape in background

This article is a part of the Best Lawyers Injury & Malpractice Legal Guide. Read thought leadership from recognized lawyers and navigate a list of all honorees in the associated practice areas.

Explore the Legal Guide