In 2004 was nominated one of 40 lawyers under 40 to watch.
It’s a challenge for any lawyer to make the switch from criminal defense law to civil practice. John Stewart Muir has handled this transition with uncommon grace and skill. After spending seven very successful years with the Cook County Public Defender’s office and several years at Bollinger, Ruberry & Garvey, he has effectively made the transition to plaintiff’s attorney. In less than one year, Muir has helped to obtain over $7 million dollars in personal injury and medical malpractice settlements.
Muir’s extensive trial experience allowed him to hit the ground running. According to Gina Piemonte, Assistant Public Defender, “Jamie displayed exceptional trial skills and was a fierce advocate for his clients.”
In March of 2003, almost immediately after taking a new position with Salvi, Schostok & Prichard, Muir helped represent a plaintiff in a brachial plexus birth injury case. Muir, new to the firm, handled all of the labor and delivery and newborn nursery witnesses, secured all of the experts and presented all the damages experts. By November of 2003, the firm secured a $3.5 million dollar settlement. Former State’s Attorney Michael O’Meara stated that, “His cross-examination skills were well known among prosecutors.” These skills obviously transferred over to the plaintiff’s side.
Muir’s peers say this result is not atypical. “Jamie Muir can be summed up in one word, passion.” said a Cook County Circuit Court Judge. “Everything he puts his hands on becomes important to him. Once Jamie was assigned to the case, no corner was left uncovered for a possible defense to insure his clients’ constitutional rights were protected. Once the trial would start, the State’s Attorney was held to task by Jamie’s lawyering skills. From the rules of evidence to his courtroom presence, everyone knew Jamie Muir was on trial. He was able to do this and still keep a great sense of civility about himself. It is these talents which have caused me to follow Jamie’s career long after he left my courtroom.” Another Circuit Court Judge stated, “It was clear from the start that Mr. Muir had tremendous insight into the practical aspects of trying a lawsuit.”
Muir is now building the same strong reputation in his new concentration of personal injury and medical malpractice, with a particular focus on birth injuries. His peers have little doubt that he will perform equally well in his new field. After all, Muir thrived as an Assistant Public Defender. According to a Circuit Court Judge, Muir’s jury trial record was enviable. Yet another Circuit Court Judge stated, “…his presence and skill before a jury were ultimately his greatest advantage.”
Once Muir entered the medical malpractice field his success continued. Attorney William Cassian stated, “I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Muir on a complicated medical malpractice case not long after he left the criminal arena. At that time he exhibited a zeal to learn the nuances of civil practice. He also exhibited a strong work ethic, civility and the ability to learn.” Ultimately his client was dropped from the case.
Jamie Muir’s work ethic and effectiveness as an advocate was confirmed by the fact that three partners from Bollinger, Ruberry and Garvey all nominated him this year. John Stalmack stated that when it comes to lawyers, Muir “is the Total Package”. Bill Rogers and Frank Petrek spoke of Muir’s integrity and maturity in the way he approached problem solving and the law. Mr. Petrek also stated that, “Muir is one of those unique young lawyers who recognizes the fact that a lawyer’s job is ultimately to solve a client’s problems efficiently”.
Jamie Muir has achieved early success in his practice and has quickly become a respected litigator and plaintiff’s personal injury attorney. His skills will continue to shine and his future looks even brighter.