Alexander, Mary E.

Most lawyers take on a case - a few take on a cause. Over the past 25 years, Mary Alexander has earned a national reputation for her work protecting consumer rights, winning the respect of clients and colleagues alike. A past president of both the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and the Consumer Attorneys of California, Mary's career - both in and out of the courtroom - has focused on one thing: ensuring that those who have been harmed by the negligent, preventable actions of others get their day in court - and get the answers, and justice, they deserve.

In the process, Mary has built a notable record of success, both before juries and at the negotiation table. Some of the highlights include:

• A $45 million verdict for a San Mateo victim,  who had her neck broken, was paralyzed for life, and became a quadriplegic when her car was struck by a driver speeding through a red light
• A $13.3 million verdict for a severely injured client in Hall v. Yosemite Park and Curry Company, in which faulty bicycle brakes triggered a crash resulting in quadriplegia
• A $5.5 million settlement for a long haul trucker was run over by another trucker while outside of the cab of his rig safely locking and inspecting his load.
• A $4 million settlement in a San Francisco Municipal Railway accident, Landsverk v. CCSF
• A $4 million settlement in a pedestrian accident, Ruszak v. State Farm

But it’s not just the results that have made Mary one of California’s most sought-after trial attorneys. It’s also a unique combination of capabilities and compassion that few lawyers can bring to their cases - or their clients. A scientist before she studied law, Mary leverages her technical background in every matter she takes on, and is well known for her ability to explain complicated theories to juries - and for using high-tech courtroom exhibits that help make difficult points easy to comprehend. She’s taken on cases other lawyers won’t, or can’t - such as child sex abuse cases - and assisted clients from all walks of life. Because someone who has been harmed is someone who should be helped.

Along the way, Mary, a graduate of Santa Clara University Law School, has been recognized repeatedly by her peers, and the press, for her work. Her awards and honors include:

• Named one of the San Francisco Bay Area's "Top 10 Trial Attorneys" by the San Francisco Chronicle
• Named a Northern California Super Lawyer in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
• Recognized as one of the Top 30 Women Litigators in 2002 and Top 50 Women Litigators in 2003 and 2004 by the California Daily Journal
• Repeatedly named one of the "100 Most Influential Attorneys in California" by the California Daily Journal
• Past editor-in-chief of Forum, a publication of the Consumer Attorneys of California
• American Board of Trial Advocates, 1997