Bar/Professional Activity: The Network of Trial Law Firms • Virginia Bar Association • American Bar Association • Defense Research Institute • Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys

Scholarly Lectures and Writings: Presenter, Selecting Outside Counsel, Association of Corporate Counsel, Colorado Chapter, 2007, Tough Cases, Tough Defenses and Great Results, John M. Fitzpatrick, presented at The Network of Trial Law Firms (June 2004)

Verdicts and Settlements: Foster Wheeler (June 2006, Los Angeles, CA) - The same day a settlement was reached during trial in another case, Fitz was asked to take over the defense of a living mesothelioma case already in jury selection.  After three weeks of trial, he obtained the first defense verdict for Foster Wheeler since their emergence from bankruptcy; General Electric (June 2005, Madison County, IL) - Fitz obtained the first defense verdict for GE in an asbestos case in the jurisdiction voted the "#1 Judicial Hellhole" for corporate America.  It was the first case in 15 years tried to verdict for GE in asbestos litigation; Dana Corporation (February 2003, Portsmouth, VA) - Fitz defended Dana Corporation in a consolidated case of five mesothelioma plaintiffs.  After two weeks of trial, all five cases were dismissed without any indemnity payment; HCI (February 2007, Rockingham, NH) - With two weeks' notice, Fitz agreed to take over as lead trial counsel in a case involving the death of a 63-year-old man following complications of gall bladder surgery.  He obtained a defense verdict by convincing the jury that an empty oxygen tank, which the plaintiff was using for supplemental oxygen, did not cause his death; UHS (March 2006, Columbia, SC) - Fitz successfully defended a doctor who performed spine surgery.  The plaintiff became paralyzed following the surgery and blamed the surgeon for not recognizing the early signs of paralysis; CNA (March 2005, Orlando, FL) - Fitz obtained a defense verdict for Universal Studios in Federal Court in Orlando, Florida.  Fitz entered the case after all mediation attempts failed.  The jury was out for less than 30 minutes following a one-week trial;

Representative Clients: Cooper Industries - National Trial Counsel; Foster Wheeler - National Trial Counsel; General Electric - National Trial Counsel; Medical Protective - National Trial Counsel; MedStar - National Trial Counsel; Premier - National Trial Counsel; Universal Health Services - National Trial Counsel;

Other Outstanding Achievements: AV Peer-Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell; The Best Lawyers in America: Mass Tort Litigation, 2005-2008; Chambers USA: Products Liability - National, Litigation - Colorado, 2008

Educational Background: J.D., cum laude - University of Notre Dame Law School, 1981, B.S. - United States Military Academy, West Point, 1974