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In March 2000, Masry & Vititoe became a well-known name when the feature film, "Erin Brockovich" was released. Masry & Vititoe is a leading law firm pursuing the rights of individuals who have been injured due to acute and chronic chemical exposures. We represent thousands of injured persons throughout the country, from Hawaii to the East Coast, who have experienced injury and adversity beyond their control. We have fearlessly combated some of the largest corporations in the world and have prevailed against Fortune 500 companies such as public utility companies and oil companies.

Jim has received much recognition over his career. He has received the U.S. Congressional Award for Trial Lawyer of the Year in 1990, 1991 and 1992. Consumer Attorneys of California awarded him Trench Soldier of the Year in 1996; Presidential Recognition for Exceptional Contribution in 1996; Outstanding Consumer Advocate in 1997; and the President's Award of Merit in 2000. Trial Lawyers for Public Justice (TLPJ) awarded Jim the President's Award in July 2001 in recognition of his extraordinary work and success in building membership support.

Jim was appointed to the Board of Governors for the Consumer Attorney Association of Los Angeles in 1998. He was appointed to the Board of Governors for the American Trial Lawyers Association, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, and Consumers Attorneys of California in 2001.

Jim is currently a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, American Bar Association, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, Consumer Attorneys of California, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

The story of Erin's investigation, legal triumph and personal challenges were dramatized in the hit movie "Erin Brockovich". Released in March 2000 by Universal Studios, it starred JULIA ROBERTS as Erin and ALBERT FINNEY as Edward Masry. The movie received 5 academy award nominations. Julia received a Best Actress Award for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich.

No longer a file clerk, Erin Brockovich now serves as Director of Research at Masry and Vititoe, where she is currently involved in other major environmental lawsuits. Remarried in 1999 to actor Eric Ellis, she lives with her husband and children in Agoura Hills, California.

Erin has been with Masry & Vititoe for ten years and has spearheaded other cases:

Another Chromium 6 case against PG&E for groundwater contamination in Kettleman, California; A TCE groundwater contamination against Lockheed Martin in Redlands, California; A DBCP and EDB groundwater contamination against Dole and Delmonte Foods in Oahu, Hawaii; Groundwater contamination against Aerojet in Sacramento, California; Chromium 6 case against Betz/Dearborn (settled) and numerous other cases in California, New Hampshire, New York, West Virginia, and other states. Masry & Vititoe is also pursuing multiple MTBE litigations against oil companies.
Erin Brockovich has received a number of awards and honors for her work with the environment: