Brent Wisner, a trailblazing US lawyer and managing partner at Wisner Baum, gained fame for taking on pharmaceutical giants in high-stakes cases. He shares his fascinating journey from child acting to law and discusses a landmark battle against Monsanto over cancer risks linked to their weed killer. The conversation delves into the emotional dynamics in court, the challenges of combating corporate power, and how innovative legal practices, including contingency fees, shape the pursuit of justice. Plus, hear about the potential film inspired by his groundbreaking work!
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Quick takeaways
Brent Wisner's transition from child actor to successful trial lawyer showcases the importance of persuasive storytelling in legal battles against powerful corporations.
His landmark case against Monsanto highlights the critical need for accountability in the pharmaceutical industry and the ongoing push for stronger consumer protection regulations.
Deep dives
Brent Wisner's Journey to Law
Brent Wisner's background significantly influenced his career as a trial lawyer. Growing up in a community that valued environmental protection and sustainable living instilled in him a sense of fairness. His early exposure to acting taught him the importance of making a memorable impression, a skill that has translated into his legal practice. After a challenging experience in corporate law, Wisner found his calling in representing individuals against large corporations, seeking justice for those harmed by unsafe products.
High-Stakes Litigation Against Monsanto
Wisner gained national attention for his landmark case against Monsanto, which claimed that the company's round-up weed killer caused cancer in a couple. The case culminated in a jury verdict that initially awarded over $2 billion, although this was later reduced by the courts. His success in this high-profile case was driven by his ability to connect with juries and persuasively present evidence against powerful corporate defenses. This victory exemplified Wisner's commitment to holding corporations accountable for their actions.
The Role of Technology and Future Challenges
Brent Wisner recognizes the transformative impact of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in the legal field. AI has improved efficiency in case management, allowing him and his team to focus on more significant legal matters while reducing costs. However, he also acknowledges that this technological advancement may lead to job losses within the profession. Additionally, he advocates for a stronger regulatory system in the United States to protect consumers from large corporations, highlighting the need for continuous improvement in legal accountability.
The US-based lawyer and managing partner at litigation firm Wisner Baum, in Los Angeles, has made his name taking on large pharmaceutical companies in high-stakes legal battles. He is the youngest attorney in US history to win a multi-billion dollar jury verdict.
We hear how Brent transitioned from child actor, to successful lawyer, and how one ground-breaking case has now caught the attention of film-makers.
(Picture: Brent Wisner delivers opening remarks in the Monsanto trial in San Francisco, California on July, 09, 2018. Credit: Getty Images)
Presenter: Rahul Tandon
Producer: Amber Mehmood
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