Thomas A. Demetrio

Top rated Personal Injury attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Corboy & Demetrio
Thomas A. Demetrio
Corboy & Demetrio

Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Aviation & Aerospace; view more

Licensed in Illinois since: 1973

Education: Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology

Selected to Super Lawyers: 2005 - 2025

Corboy & Demetrio

33 North Dearborn Street
21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60602 Visit website

Details

A founding partner of the legendary law firm, Corboy & Demetrio, P.C., Thomas is a nationally renowned trial lawyer with an emphasis on medical negligence, airplane crash, product liability, and commercial litigation on behalf of plaintiffs.

In 1983, Thomas acquired the first-ever 8-figure compensatory verdict in Illinois.  He has acquired well over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements, including the largest single personal injury verdict ever upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court.  All of his verdicts have been paid, and he has never lost an appeal. 

Publications & Honors

Thomas has been included in every edition of Best Lawyers in America since 1987.  The National Law Journal, in 1990, named Tom one of the top 10 litigators in America.  In 2014, the National Law Journal named Tom as one of its inaugural 50 “Litigation Trailblazers and Pioneers,” the only Illinois plaintiff’s trial lawyer receiving that distinction.

In 2015, the prestigious Lawdragon, which had previously anointed Tom “Dean of the Chicago Trial Bar,” announced that, since its inception in 2005, Tom was one of only 50 lawyers who had been named every year as one of its 500 leading lawyers in America, joining a select group that includes Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy. 

Since 2007, Thomas has been voted by his peers to be in the top five of all lawyers in Illinois by the “Leading Lawyers Network,” and since 2010, he has been named one of the Top 10 Illinois Super Lawyers, ranking first in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

As a leader of the bar, Thomas has served as President of both the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the 22,000-member Chicago Bar Association.  He has been a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the Inner Circle of Advocates for over 25 years.

He is a nationally recognized and sought after lecturer on trial techniques and advocacy skills and has authored more than 50 continuing legal education articles in the field of civil litigation.

Thomas is currently the Co-Chair of the Board of Advisors of IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law.  He has been honored by the law school by being named one of its 125 Alumni of Distinction, and he has been given its Alumni Merit Award, Professional Achievement Award, and Distinguished Service Award.  In addition, he serves on the boards of the Constitutional Rights Foundation; Center for Elder and Disability Law; and Big Shoulders - Archdiocese of Chicago.  He has also served on the boards of Illinois Institute of Technology, St. Ignatius College Prep and Mundelein Seminary, as well as the Notre Dame Law School’s Advisory Council and the Dispute Resolution Research Center of the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University.

In 2015, Thomas was given the Hellenic Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.  In 2016, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association bestowed on him its highest honor, the Leonard M. Ring Lifetime Achievement Award.  Also in 2016, Thomas received the Chicago Bar Association’s prestigious United States Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens Award – from Justice Stevens himself.

While Thomas served as president of the Chicago Bar Association, he wanted to impact the lives of Chicago’s underprivileged children who, he sensed, would greatly benefit from quality mentoring.  The Thomas A. Demetrio Award of Excellence was thus created recognizing the efforts of exceptional tutor/mentoring programs in Chicago communities.  In 1995, with his inspiration, guidance, and support, the CBA and Chicago Bar Foundation created the Lawyers’ Lend-A-Hand to Youth program, which thrives to this very day.  In addition to the annual Demetrio Award, it has granted over $1.6 million to mentoring programs for underprivileged youths in the Chicago area.

Read more about Corboy & Demetrio:

 

Practice areas

Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff, Aviation and Aerospace, Business Litigation, Class Action/Mass Torts: Plaintiff

Focus areas

Aviation, Aviation Accidents - Plaintiff, Birth Injury, Brain Injury, Class Actions, Construction Accident, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Toxic Torts, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death

  • 50% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
  • 20% Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff
  • 10% Aviation and Aerospace
  • 10% Business Litigation
  • 10% Class Action/Mass Torts: Plaintiff

First Admitted: 1973, Illinois

Professional Webpage: https://www.corboydemetrio.com/attorneys-thomas-demetrio

Bar/Professional Activity:
  • Inner Circle of Advocates, 2024
  • Chicago Bar Associaion, President, 1992
  • Board of Overseers, Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law, 1992 - 2024, Chairman, 2011-present; Alumni Association, President 1988-1989, 2024
  • Thomas currently sits on the Governing Board of the Center for Disability & Elder Law, and has served on the Board continuously since 1990.   Thomas sits on the Board's Fundraising Committee. , 2024
  • Founder, Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to  Youth, 1994
  • President, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1988
  • Lend A Hand Advisory Board, 1994 - Present
  • President's Council, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law
  • American Bar Association, Task Force on the Contingency Fee, 2003 - Present
  • Board of Advisors, Mundelein Seminary, 1992 - 1997
  • The Society of Trial Lawyers
  • Chairman, Chicago Neurosurgical Center Leadership Committee, 1991 - 1995
  • Vatican Restoration Committee, 2000 - Present
  • Editorial Board Member, American Association for Justice, 2008 - Present
  • Silver Family Circle Charter Member, Legal Aid Society of Chicago/Metropolitan Family Services
  • National Trial Competition Committee, 2004 - Present
  • The Seventh Circuit Bar Association
  • Board of Directors, Chicago Bar Foundation, 1994 - 1996
  • Advisory Council, University of Notre Dame Law School, 1987 - 2002
  • Dispute Resolution Research Center Advisory Committee, J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management Northwestern University, Chicago, 1993 - Present
  • President, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Alumni Association, 1988
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Board Member, Executive Committee, American Association for Justice, 2008 - Present
  • Leading Lawyers Network Advisory Board, 2003 - Present
  • Upstate Illinois State Committee, 1997 - Present
  • Board of Trustees, St. Ignatius College Prep, 1990 - 1995
  • President, Chicago Bar Association, 1992
  • Board of Directors, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, 1988 - 1997
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
  • Illinois Appellate Court affirmed Thomas Demetrio's $42.4 million Cook County jury verdict in a medical malpractice case. Read more about it in February 14th Chicago Daily Law Bulletin story: $42.4M surgery delay verdict against Advocate upheld A suburban Advocate hospital must pay $42.4 million to the widow of a man who died after a delayed procedure to replace an abdominal pump, a state appellate panel held. Advocate argued that it was not responsible as an institution for any errors in the case, which it claimed were caused by individual health-care providers. A panel of the 1st District Appellate Court ruled that the plaintiff sufficiently argued proximate cause in her institutional negligence claim. However, it found that she did not prove proximate cause on her vicarious liability claim. Justice James Fitzgerald Smith delivered the judgment of the court, with opinion. Robin Wilcox sued Advocate Condell Medical Center in Cook County Circuit Court, alleging medical negligence in the death of her husband, Scott Wilcox. Scott was paralyzed after a skiing accident at 26. A pump in his abdomen administered the drug baclofen into his spinal canal to treat muscle spasticity. In 2017, Scott’s pump stopped working. He was admitted to Advocate Condell in Libertyville in stable condition. Testimony from the treating physicians stated that Scott requested baclofen and repeatedly expressed concern over his condition worsening without it. Wilcox’s complaint alleged that the treating physicians delayed both obtaining baclofen and scheduling Scott’s pump replacement surgery, causing his health to severely deteriorate. She cited a systems failure and failure to ensure effective communication among health-care providers. Scott experienced multiorgan failure while awaiting surgery, which was eventually performed. He sustained brain damage, spent two weeks on life support and died at age 47 following its removal on Aug. 13. Throughout litigation, various physicians and their respective medical practice groups were also named as defendants. They were ultimately dismissed or their claims were settled. After a two-week trial, the jury returned a verdict for Wilcox. Advocate filed a post-trial motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict or a new trial. It argued that Wilcox’s institutional negligence claims were not true claims of direct corporate negligence, that the evidence failed to establish that Advocate proximately caused Scott’s injury and that prejudgment interest should be found unconstitutional and be disallowed. Then-Judge Lorna E. Propes denied all relief requested in the post-trial motion. Advocate appealed. In the panel’s opinion, filed Tuesday, Smith wrote that Wilcox correctly argued institutional negligence. He wrote that Wilcox presented sufficient evidence — including expert testimony, two of Advocate’s adopted policies and procedures and four national standards of the Joint Commission — from which the jury could determine Advocate’s requirements as a reasonably careful hospital and that “the violations did not involve healthcare professionals’ medical judgment or conduct related to treatment.” “Instead, we find that the plaintiff’s claim sufficiently focused on Advocate’s alleged failure to comply with the administrative and managerial duty it owed as an institution to enforce and train its staff to comply with policies and national standards ‘adopted to ensure [a] smoothly run hospital and adequate patient care,’” Smith wrote, citing Johnson v. St. Bernard Hospital, 79 Ill. App. 3d 709, 718 (1979). He also wrote that Wilcox’s institutional negligence claim was not a disguised claim of vicarious liability and that “the facts of this case demonstrated that it was the responsibility of the hospital as an institution to procure the equipment and medication needed by a surgeon in the course of a particular surgery.” Smith also wrote that Wilcox established proximate causation on the institutional negligence claim. He noted that her expert witness testified that deviations from the standard of care caused the delay in Scott’s surgery and that it violated Joint Commission standards stating that it is the responsibility of a hospital to coordinate a patient’s care, treatment and services based on the patient’s needs in a timely manner, among other statements. Further, he noted that Advocate’s operating room staff did not attempt to obtain baclofen from the pharmacy until 1 p.m. on the day of Scott’s surgery, which was the time it was slated to begin, despite having ample time and reminders to do so. Smith wrote that the jury had evidence to conclude that “but for Advocate’s failure to comply with the standard of care owed by a reasonably careful hospital, surgery to restore the administration of Scott’s intrathecal baclofen would have occurred at or shortly after 1 p.m.” Smith rejected Advocate’s argument that the claim of institutional negligence improperly relied upon the conduct of treating physicians who settled prior to trial. Further, he wrote that the law on prejudgment interest was not unconstitutional. However, he wrote that Wilcox failed to establish the proximate cause element of her vicarious liability claim, affirming Advocate’s argument that one of the doctor’s testimony was “too speculative and contingent to serve as the evidentiary basis from which the jury could conclude that the nurses’ negligence in failing to communicate Scott’s condition was a proximate cause of the delay” in procuring the correct concentration of baclofen. Justices Aurelia Pucinski and Mary Ellen Coghlan concurred in the judgment and opinion. Wilcox was represented by Thomas A. Demetrio, Mitchell W. Bild and Michael D. Ditore of Corboy & Demetrio, P.C. and Michael T. Reagan of Law Offices of Michael T. Reagan. “The Wilcox Family and its legal team are most appreciative of the care and attention to detail the appellate court devoted to its consideration of this case,” Demetrio said in an email. Advocate was represented by J. Timothy Eaton, Jonathan B. Amarilio and Adam W. Decker of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, and Thomas R. Hill, Timothy F. Dobry and Lauren T. Scalzo of Smith Blake Hill LLC. They could not be reached for comment. “Our hearts go out to this individual and his family,” Condell Medical Center said in a statement. “We are committed to providing quality care to all of our patients. Out of respect for privacy and pending litigation, we are unable to comment further.” The case is Wilcox v. Advocate Condell Medical Center, 2024 IL App (1st) 230355., 2024
  • Obtained $13.5 Million Settlement for Estate of Scrapyard Worker who was Crushed to Death, 2023
  • Obtained a record-setting jury verdict of $42,400,000 against Advocate Condell Medical Center for the wrongful death of a 47-year-old husband and father of two girls.  The decedent was a quadriplegic who was being monitored for the signs and symptoms of baclofen withdrawal, while awaiting surgery for the replacement of the pump that delivered the medication to him to control his muscle spasms.  Jurors took only three hours to deliberate before returning their verdict Friday night, Aug. 19, 2022. The verdict set a record for the highest jury verdict for the wrongful death of a man age 20 or older in a medical malpractice case in Illinois. , 2022
  • Obtained a settlement of $10 million for the Estate of a bicyclist who was killed by a vehicle in Chicago. , 2022
  • Obtained a $6.57 million settlement on behalf of a machine operator for injuries. Learn more, 2022
  • $10 Million Settlement for Injured Construction Worker, 2022
  • $4.8 Million Settlement for Injured Iron Worker, 2022
  • $3.5 Million Settlement for 72-year-old Pedestrian in Crosswalk Hit by Cab, 2022
  • Corboy & Demetrio obtained a $10 million settlement on behalf of a Local 502 Cement Mason Finisher who was injured while working at the Metropolitan Water District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) plant in Chicago.  Read More, 2021
  • $2.3 Million Settlement for Illinois Man Injured in Weightlifting Machine Malfunction, 2021
  • $4.5 Million for failure to diagnose and treat a ruptured brain aneurysm , 2019
  • Confidential Settlement with United Airlines on behalf of Dr. David Dao, 2017
  • $10.6 Million Settlement for Toll Worker Killed by Truck, 2017
  • $9.6 Million Obtained for Family of Off-Duty Chicago Police Officer Killed in Suburban Police Chase, 2017
  • $7.5 Million for Family of Construction Worker Killed in Balcony Fall, 2017
  • $14 Million for Negligent Intubation of a Baby, 2015
  • $6.8 Million for Worker in Highway Construction Project
  • $7.75 Million for Failure to Properly Treat Infant'sElevated Bilirubin
  • $30 Million Obtained in Two Settlements in USAir #427 Plane Crash, Including a Record-Setting $25 Million for Family of One Victim, 1999
  • $7.4 Million Settlement for Gold Coast Nanny Struck by Sanitation Truck, 2014
  • $5.1 Million Settlement for Bus Passenger Injured in 2010 Megabus Crash
  • $25 Million for Victims of Fox River Grove School Bus-Train Crash, 2000
  • $100 Million Settlement in American Eagle Crash, 1997
  • $16.5 Record-Setting Verdict in Birth Negligence Case, 1997
  • $3 Million Settlement in Death of Child from Portable Crib
  • $40 Million Record-Setting Verdict in Car-Truck Collision, 2000
  • $75 Million Global Settlement for Injured and Killed Victims of Hancock Scaffolding Collapse, 2006
  • $16 Million for Brain-Damaged Pedestrian Hit by Limousine in Record-Setting Verdict, 1988
  • $12.25 Million Settlement in Obstetric Negligence , 1998
  • $14.6 Million Settlement for Student Injured on School Trampoline, 2010
  • $7.9 Million Record-Setting Verdict for Child Blinded by Doctor's Negligence
  • $7.75 Million for Failure to Properly Treat Infant's Elevated Bilirubin, 2008
  • $6.2 Million Verdict for Brothers Severely Burned in Explosion
  • $20 Million Settlement for Birth Trauma, 2004
  • $4.5 Million Settlement for Family of Pedestrian Killed by Falling Ice
  • $17.5 Million Settlement for Young Woman who Suffered Hemorrhagic Stroke When Large Aneurysm Ruptured After Emergency Room Physician Failed to Diagnose "Warning Leak" , 2002
  • $7.1 for Child Injured During Birth
  • $44 Million Secured for Victims of Metra Train Derailment, 2009
  • $8.5 Million Settlement ofr Baby Born with Cerebral Palsy
  • $7.6 Million in Chemical Plant Blast
  • $6.75 Million Settlement for German Pedestrian Killed by Charter Bus, 2013
  • $22 Million Record-Setting verdict for Injuries in Car-Truck Crash
  • $5 Million Wrongful Death Settlement in LaSalle County
  • $16 Million Jury Verdict in Roofing Injury, 2010
  • $16 Million Settlement in Death of College Football Player During Practice, 2007
  • $7.4 Million Medical Malpractice Settlement for 19-year-old Paraplegic
  • $74 Million in Record-Setting Settlements in Crash of United #232, 1995
Videos:
Pro bono/Community Service:
  • Serves on the Fundraising Committee of the Governing Board of the Center for Disability & Elder Law, 2024
  • Serves on Governing Board of the Center for Disability & Elder Law   , 2023
  • Founder, Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth, 1995-2022. , 2024
  • Thomas A. Demetrio Award of Excellence, 1992-2021.  The award’s genesis dates back to 1992 when Thomas A. Demetrio served as President of the Chicago Bar Association and wanted to impact the lives of Chicago’s at-risk children who, he sensed, would greatly benefit from quality mentoring.  And so, he created the Thomas A. Demetrio Award of Excellence to recognize the efforts of exceptional tutor/mentoring programs in Chicago communities.  , 2021
  • Board of Directors, Center for Disability & Elder Law, 2022
  • Corboy & Demetrio Virtual Food Drive for the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s COVID-19 Response , 2020
  • Board of Directors, Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago, 2009 - Present
  • Board of Directors, Big Shoulders, Archdiocese of Chicago, 1993 - Present
  • Member, Illinois Handgun Committee on Violence, 1998 - Present
  • The Institute of Medicine of Chicago, 2002 - Present
  • Patient Safety Forum, Committee Member, The Institute of Medicine of Chicago, 2002 - Present
  • Supreme Court Historical Society, 2004 - Present
  • Vatican Restoration Committee, 2000 - Present
  • The Lawyers Club of Chicago
  • Board of Directors, The Center for Conflict Resolution, 1990 - 1993
  • "Proper Negotiation Techniques," Annual Program on Negotiations and Counseling, National Institute of Trial Advocacy, 1986
Honors/Awards:
  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, Lawdragon, 2024
  • Ranked second, and has ranked first or second for the last decade., Illinois Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers, 2024
  • Thomas Demetrio received a Lifetime Achievement from Law Bulletin Publishing's Jury Verdict Reporter in November of 2023 for his 50-year prolific legal career.  Read about it here., Lifetime Achievement Award, Jury Verdict Reporter, Law Bulletin Publishing, 2023
  • Thomas was selected by Crain's Chicago Business to 2023 Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys.Read More , Crain's 2023 Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys, Crain's Chicago Business, 2023
  • Thomas Demetrio was selected to "America's 55 Most Influential Trial Lawyers" for 2022 by the National Law Journal and the Trial Lawyer magazine, which includes both plaintiff and defense civil trial lawyers from across the country., America's 55 Most Influential Trial Lawyers, The National Law Journal and The Trial Lawyer Magazine, 2022
  • Thomas A. Demetrio was ranked second by Illinois Super Lawyers for 2023 out of lawyers in all practice areas in the state., Thomas Demetrio Ranked Second by IL Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2023
  • Thomas A. Demetrio, a Lawdragon Hall of Famer, was selected to 2023 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers.  Thomas has been selected every year since the award’s inception.  , Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, Lawdragon, 2023
  • Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers, 2023
  • Thomas Demetrio was named to Top 10 Leading Plaintiff's Medical Malpractice Lawyers, ranking second for 2022 for a second year in a row., Ranked #2 Plaintiff's Medical Malpractice Lawyer by Leading Lawyers for 2022, Leading Lawyers, 2022
  • Thomas Demetrio was ranked the #1 Leading Plaintiff's Personal Injury Lawyer in Illinois by Leading Lawyers.   Learn More, Top 10 Leading Personal Injury Plaintiff's Lawyer, Ranking 1st, Leading Lawyers, 2022
  • Leading Lawyers Ranks Thomas Demetrio #2 in Top 10 Leading Products Liability Lawyers for 2022, Thomas Demetrio Ranked #2 Plaintiff's Products Liability Lawyer by Leading Lawyers for 2022, Leading Lawyers, 2022
  • Thomas Demetrio was ranked the #1 Plaintiff's Aviation Accidents Lawyer in IL by Leading Lawyers for 2022., Top 10 Leading Plaintiff's Aviation Accidents Lawyer in Illinois, Ranking First, Leading Lawyers, 2022
  • Mayor Lori Lightfoot presented Corboy & Demetrio Co-founder Thomas A. Demetrio with a City of Chicago Proclamation, declaring Feb. 25, 2022, “Thomas A. Demetrio Day” in Chicago.Learn More, "Thomas A. Demetrio" Day Designated in Chicago, City of Chicago, 2022
  • Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that a Chicago street will be named after Thomas A. Demetrio. Learn More, "Thomas A. Demetrio Way" Street, City of Chicago, 2022
  • Thomas Demetrio was selected to Illinois Super Lawyers, Ton Ten list, ranking first for the sixth consecutive year.Learn More, Top Ten List , Ranking First, Illinois Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2022
  • Thomas Demetrio was selected to The Best Lawyers in America, 2022 Edition, in two areas: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs., The Best Lawyers in America, U.S. News - Best Lawyers, 2022
  • Thomas A. Demetrio was ranked first by Illinois Super Lawyers for the fifth consecutive year.Read More, Top Ten List, Ranking First, Illinois Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2021
  • Thomas A. Demetrio was one of 37 highly distinguished honorees from the top law firms and the highest courts in our country to be inducted into the 2021 Lawdragon Hall of Fame., Inducted into Lawdragon Hall of Fame, Lawdragon, 2021
  • Selected to 2021 Illinois Leading Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, 2021
  • Ranked #1 Plaintiff's Aviation Accidents Lawyer by Leading Lawyers for 2022, Leading Lawyers, 2021
  • The Best Lawyers in America, 2021 Edition, U.S. News, 2021
  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, Lawdragon, 2020
  • Best Lawyers in America, U.S. News, 2020
  • Top Ten List, Ranking First, IL Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2020
  • Inner Circle of Advocates, Fellow, 1993-present, 2020
  • Corboy & Demetrio Co-founder Thomas A. Demetrio has been ranked the top aviation accidents attorney for plaintiffs in Illinois by Leading Lawyers for 2019., Ranked #1 Plaintiff's Aviation Accident Attorney in Illinois, Leading Lawyers, 2019
  • Top Ten List, Ranking First, IL Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2019
  • Thomas was selected to The RoundTable: America’s 50 Most Influential Trial Lawyers in 2019 by the National Law Journal and The Trial Lawyer magazine., America’s 50 Most Influential Trial Lawyers, National Law Journal and The Trial Lawyer Magazine, 2019
  • Top Ten List, Ranking First, Illinois Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2018
  • America’s 50 Most Influential Trial Lawyers, National Law Journal and Trial Lawyer Magazine  , America’s 50 Most Influential Trial Lawyers, The Nationl Trial Lawyers, 2018
  • The National Law Journal and ALM selected Corboy & Demetrio as a national winner of 2018 Elite Trial Lawyers for Thomas Demetrio's representation of airline passenger David Dao. Thomas obtained a confidential settlement with United Airlines just 18 days after the incident – and before a lawsuit was even filed. , Elite Trial Lawyers, National Law Journal and ALM, 2018
  • Top Ten List, Ranking First, Illinois Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2017
  • America's 50 Most Influential Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers - The Trial Lawyers Magazine, 2017
  • U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens Award, Chicago Bar Association, 2016
  • America's 50 Most Influential Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2016
  • Leonard M. Ring Lifetime Achievement Award, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2016
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois, 2015
  • 50 Legends of the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, Lawdragon, 2015
  • Top 50 Litigation Trailblazers and Pioneers, National Law Journal, 2014
  • 125 Alumni of Distinction Award - Tom was one of 125 alumni of IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law in the long history of the school to receive the distinction., 125 Alumni of Distinction Award, 2013
  • Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America, 2011
  • International Academy of Trial Lawyers, 1986-Present
  • Illinois Leading Lawyers
  • Life Fellow, Chicago Bar Foundation, 2020
  • Illinois Handgun Committee on Violence, 1998-present
  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, 2005 - Present, Lawdragon, 2020
  • "Who's Who in Chicago Business," Crain's Chicago Business, 2006 - Present
  • 50 Under 50, The National Law Journal, 1989
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America's National College of Advocacy, Dean, 1987, 1987
  • "Top 10 National Litigators," The National Law Journal, 1990
  • Fellow, American Bar Foundation
  • Master of the Bench, American Inns of Court, Chicago Inn of Court
  • Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Pattern Civil Jury Instructions, 1978 - 1997
  • AV Rated - Highest Level Awarded - Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
  • Alumni Merit Award, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law, 1989
  • Top 10 Illinois Litigators, The National Law Journal, 1999
  • Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, 1989-present
  • Life Fellow, Illinois Bar Foundation
  • Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, 1986-present
  • Presented with two awards from the Illinois Jury Verdict Reporter / Law Bulletin Publishing Company for Trial Lawyer Excellence: One for the largest wrongful death settlement ever in Illinois ($25.25 million) and one for acquiring five or more verdicts in excess of $5 million since 1990, 2010
  • Chair, Illinois Intitute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law Board of Overseers, 2011-2015.
Educational Background:
  • IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 1973
  • University of Notre Dame, B.A., 1969
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
  • Diagnostic errors, the failure to timely or correctly diagnose a patient’s malady or to communicate the diagnosis properly, are frequent fodder for medical negligence lawsuits. They are widely recognized contributors to patient injury and death.  Now, a new study shows that diagnostic errors account for up to 25 percent of patient deaths.  , Co-author, Mistakes Add Up: Studies Show Mounting Diagnostic Errors, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2024
  • Language models in artificial intelligence will allow a program to consult with a patient's entire medical file, but at the same time, medical a.i. advances are proceeding largely without input from regulators and healthcare providers.  Lawyers need to be familiar with this technology to ask the right questions and request the right discovery., Co-author, Language Barrier: AI models are disrupting health care, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2023
  • The National Academy of Medicine has stated that the best care in the U.S. healthcare system is not applied systematically or expeditiously to clinical practice. and the problem still persists.  The result is that patients aren't receiving the healthcare they deserve., Co-author, Faster Implementation: Patients are receiving Substandard care because of insufficient knowledge, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2023
  • In most health care encounters, the single most important aspect is making the right diagnosis.  In this Med-Mal Matters column, Thomas and Co-author Ken Lumb explore the issue of preventable diagnostic errors that persist and sometimes kill patients at unacceptable levels., Co-author, Getting It Right: Diagnostic Errors Continue to Cause Unnecessary Harm, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2023
  • Thomas Demetrio and Ken Lumb explore how understaffed ERs prove deadly and costly, all while healthcare administrators and executives are paid handsomely in their latest Med-Mal Matters column.  , Co-author, Follow the Money: Understaffed ER Proves Deadly and Costly, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2022
  • While the number of medical devices on the market is rapidly increasing, the regulatory safety net that is supposed to protect patients from ineffective, dangerous, and defective products has a glaring hole in it, known as the 510(k) pathway., Co-author, Rocky Road: 510(k) pathway not providing proper protections, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical, 2022
  • Twelve million Americans go to the doctor each year and get the wrong diagnosis., Co-author, MedMal Matters: "Lacking in Judgement,", Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2021
  • Thomas Demetrio was a featured panelist at the continuing legal education seminar, "Damages Webinar," which was held by the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association in 2021., Speaker, Damages Webinar, Illintos Trial Lawyers Association, 2021
  • Thomas A. Demetrio spoke as a panelist at a seminar entitled, "Proving Damages," which was hosted during the New Jersey  Association for Justice's Winter Seminar, which was virtual, in 2021., Speaker, "Proving Damages," N.J. Association for Justice Winter Seminar, 2021, New Jersey Association for Justice, 2021
  • Nursing home flaws are fatal as virus spread shows the price of cost-cutting., Co-author, MedMal Matters: "Nursing Home Flaws are Fatal", Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2020
  • In the industry of prescription drugs, a drug manufacturer has a duty to warn only the treating physician and not the patient of health risks., Co-author, MedMal Matters: "No Duty to Warn Exception", Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2020
  • With the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2020, Congress took an incomplete but significant step to balance the scales for the women and men serving in the armed forces. The NDAA allows the Secretary of Defense to settle and pay claims for injuries to active-duty members of the uniformed services caused by the medical negligence of a Department of Defense (DOD) health care provider., Author, MedMal Matters: On the Path, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, Federal Tort Claims Immunity Act, Military, 2020
  • Over the last several decades, untold millions of patients have undergone invasive procedures – coronary artery bypass grafting and angioplasty – to treat clogged coronary arteries. At a recent American Heart Associationmeeting, however, researchers revealed the results of a large study called ISCHEMIA.  It revealed that millions of potentially useless elective cardiac procedures, with their attendant potentially deadly complications, have been performed andbilled over the last several decades., Author, MedMal Matters: Changes vs. Surgery, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2020
  • Medical devices in the U.S. are regulated by the FDA..., Co-author, MedMal Matters: Beyond Maude, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2019
  • The abrupt resignation of Dr. Jose..., Co-author, MedMal Matters: Infernal Devices, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2019
  • Acute mental and emotional stress in the U.S...., Co-Author, MedMal Matters: No Scrubs, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2019
  • It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..., Co-author, MedMal Matters: Nursing Home Relapses, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2018
  • In our last column, we wrote about a troubling development in the nursing home industry..., Co-author, MedMal Matters: Corporate Colonialism, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2018
  • It is an article of faith among insurers,, Co-author, MedMal Matters: Faith and C-Sections, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2018
  • On October fifth, the Department of Veterans Affairs..., Co-author, MedMal Matters: Trial Lawyer Hero, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2018
  • Recent high-profile data breaches..., Co-author, MedMal Matters: Meet 'Pestilence', Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2018
  • In recent years, shoddy care and administrative lapses..., Co-author, MedMal Matters: What Veterans Deserve, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2018
  • Co-author, Med-Mal Matters: 'Lights, Camera, Scalpel, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2017
  • Imagine while sorting through your mail, you discover a glossy..., Co-author, Medmal Matters: Bait and Switch, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2017
  • Co-author, Med-Mal Matters : #ElderAbuse, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2017
  • Co-author, Med-Mal Matters: “Check Please: A safety tool borrowed from airlines is saving lives in surgery”, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2017
  • Co-author, Med-Mal Matters: "Negligence with Consent? A New Jersey case gives guidance on informed consent", Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2017
  • Co-author, Med-Mal Matters: "Surgery to Circus: Discipline after an unusual injury drew gawkers", Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2017
  • Co-author, Med-Mal Matters: “One Surgeon, Many Patients: A Civil War-era law helps fight double-booked surgeries, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2017
  • Co-Author, Med-Mal Matters Column: Bitter Pill, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2017
  • Co-author, Double checking hospitals’ double-booking, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2016
  • Do-not-tell clauses in electronics records pose a real danger..., Co-author, MedMal Matters: I've Got a Secret, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2016
  • Co-author, The Value of Informed Consent, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2016
  • Defensive Medicine or 'Defensive' Medicine?, Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2015
  • "Brave New World: Computerized Medical Records Pose Pitfalls", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2015
  • Co-author, Difficult to Argue With, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2015
  • "Another High-Tech Tool for Plaintiff's Lawyers", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2014
  • "Should a Contract Trump the Constitution?", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2014
  • "When Rules are Written for Only One Side", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2014
  • "The Fragile Patient Safety Triad", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2014
  • "Social Networking in the Operating Room", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2014
  • "Don't wander into the Minefield", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2014
  • "When Silence is Not Golden", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2013
  • "Automated Surgery - A Good Idea?", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2013
  • "Follow the Money", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2013
  • "Ethics and the NFL Physician", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2013
  • "Coming Clean on Medical Practices", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2012
  • "The Founders Wouldn't Approve", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2012
  • "A Cheatin' Doctor", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2012
  • "Study Shows Doctors Make Missteps", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2012
  • "Distracted Doctors", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2012
  • "Hospitals Send Patients to Lawyers", Co-author, MedMal Matters, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, 2012
  • "Remember Philip H. Corboy", Co-author, CBA Record, 2012
  • "Jury Selection Law and Technique - Jury Selection, or Is It?", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association, College of Trial Advocacy, 2009
  • "Opening Statements: Strategies & Themes Conference", Speaker, Law Bulletin Seminars, 2009
  • "Case Evaluation Conference", Speaker, Law Bulletin Seminars, 2008
  • "Case Evaluation: When To Take the Case - When to Settle", Speaker, Law Bulletin Seminars, 2007
  • "Opening Statement - Telling The Story", Speaker, Lessons From the Stars, D.C. Trial Lawyers Association, 2005
  • "Tort Reform Summit", Speaker, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, 2005
  • "Opening Statement and Final Argument: Is There Really a Difference?", Speaker, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, Florida, 2005
  • "A Practical Guide to Discovery in Medical Negligence Litigation", Author, Illinois Civil Discovery Practice, 1998
  • "The Obligations of Lawyering in Today's World", Speaker, The Annual Luncheon Meeting of the Franklin County Trial Lawyers Association, Ohio, 1996
  • "2005 Advocacy Showcase - A One-Day Trial", Speaker, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2005
  • "Tort Reform Wars: The Future of the Civil Jury System in a Litigious Nation", Speaker, The Economic Club of Chicago, 2004
  • "Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges - Masters At Trial", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association, 2004
  • "Direct and Re-Direct Examination -- Trial Demonstration", Speaker, ICLE's 46th Annual Advocacy Institute - The Institute of Continuing Legal Education - Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1995
  • "Wrongful Death - A Medical Tragedy"- Book Review, Author, Trial Magazine, 1995
  • "Litigation Management: Manage Dollars or Activities?", Speaker, Johnson Controls Annual Law Department Meeting, 1995
  • "Jury Selection in the Industrial Product Liability Case", Speaker, The 13th Annual Conference on Product Liability Law - National Practice Institute - Chicago, 1995
  • "House Bill 20 - Redefining Tort Practice in Illinois", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association, 1995
  • The Art of Persuasion, Demonstration: Plaintiff's Closing Argument", Speaker, Defense Research Institute, Trial Techniques Seminar, 1995
  • "Winning with the Masters, Last Chance Seminar", Speaker, Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, New Orleans, 1991
  • "Address to the Professional Liability Committee of the American Bar Association", Speaker, American Bar Association Annual Meeting, 1990
  • "How to Address Damages in the Opening Statement and Closing Argument", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association, 1990
  • "Trial Symposium - Advocacy into the '90s", Speaker, Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers Thirty-Third Annual Convention, 1990
  • "Do's and Don'ts of Direct Examination", Speaker, Trial Notebook Series, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1990
  • "Using Final Argument to Enhance Damages", Speaker, Alabama Trial Lawyers Association 38th Annual Mid-Winter Conference, 1990
  • "Arguing Medical Negligence", Speaker, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1990
  • "A Practical Guide to Discovery in Medical Negligence Litigation", Author, Illinois Civil Discovery Practice, 1989
  • "Litigating Medical Malpractice Claims - Plaintiff's Perspective", Speaker, Annual American Law Institute, American Bar Association Committee on Continuing Professional Education, South Carolina, 1995
  • "The Practical Application of Illinois Discovery Rules", Author, Illinois Civil Discovery Practice, 1989
  • The Practical Application of Illinois Discovery Rules, Author, Illinois Civil Discovery Practice, 1989
  • "Finding and Using Experts", Author, ABA- Tort and Insurance Practice Section Manual, 1988
  • "Video Depositions: How and When to Use Them", Speaker, Chicago Board Association Tort Litigation Committee, 1987
  • "Our Tort System Must be Preserved", Speaker, 21st Annual Meeting of the Congress of Organizations of the Physically Handicapped, 1986
  • "Opening Statement - Telling The Story", Speaker, Lessons From the Stars, D.C. Trial Lawyers Association, 2005
  • "Today's Civil System of Justice", Speaker, National Association of Independent Insurers, 1986
  • "Persuasive Trial Techniques", Speaker, Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Convention, 1986
  • "Proper Evaluation of Product Liability Cases," Pick the Best, Decline the Rest, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1986
  • "Lawyers and Doctors: A Time for Harmony", Speaker, Illinois State Medical Society, 1986
  • "Ethics and Attorneys Fees", Speaker, Northwestern University Law School, 1986
  • "How to Present the Expert Economist", Speaker, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1985
  • "Tort Reform: Its Economic Impact Nationally and in Illinois", Speaker, The Economic Club of Chicago, 2004
  • "Electronics in the Courtroom", Speaker, Inner Circle of Advocates, 2003
  • "2003 Advocacy Showcase ­ The Medical Negligence Case: A One-Day Trial", Speaker, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2003
  • "Winning with the Masters", Speaker, Last Chance Seminar, Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, New Orleans, 1995
  • "Arguing and Maximizing Damages", Speaker, Kansas Trial Lawyers' Association, 1990
  • "Proving and Disputing Liability in Tort Cases", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association, 1989
  • "How to Prove Loss of Companionship in the Case of a Deceased Spouse, Parent or Child," Proving and Disproving Damages in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases Seminar, Speaker, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1985
  • "The Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment Mandates that the Right to Trial by Jury, Guaranteed by the Seventh Amendment, be Preserved", Author, ABA- Tort and Insurance Practice Section Manual, 1985
  • "Should Juries Decide Complex Cases?", Author, Trial Magazine, 1985
  • "Closing Arguments", Speaker, Young Lawyers Section Trial Practice Course, Chicago Bar Association, 1994
  • "Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle Product Liability Litigation"- The debate over New Restatement 2nd of Torts 105, discussion about changing the burden of proof in product liability cases, Speaker, American Bar Association National Institute, Arizona, 1994
  • "Product Liability Litigation - A Practical Approach", Speaker, Summation Strategies, Plaintiff's Perspective, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1994
  • "Effective Direct and Cross-Examination", Speaker, Summer Boot Camp for Aspiring Litigators, Chicago Bar Association, 1994
  • "Medical Experts: Effective Direct and Cross Examination - Plaintiff's Perspective", Speaker, llinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel, 1993
  • The 46th Annual Belli Seminar, Massachusetts, Speaker, 1989
  • "Ideas on Final Argument", Speaker, A Weekend with the Masters, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, 1989
  • "The Persuasive Final Argument", Speaker, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1989
  • "Final Argument", Speaker, The Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, 1985
  • "Consulting the Appropriate Witness and Assessment of Damages", Speaker, The Thorough Representation of the Catastrophic-Injured, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1985
  • "Anatomy of an Automobile Accident Trial", Speaker, Practicing Law Institute, 1985
  • "Litigating Medical Malpractice Claims", Speaker, American Bar Association and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, 1985
  • "Closing Argument", Speaker, Roscoe Pound Foundation Workshop, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 1985
  • "Jury Deselection", Speaker, Trial Superstars Seminar, Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, 1985
  • "Comparative Fault in Illinois: Its Past, Present and Future", Author, 1983
  • Plaintiff's co-counsel in two videotape series, "Training the Advocate", Speaker, National Institute for Trial Advocacy and The American Bar Association Consortium for Professional Education, 1983
  • "Beyond the Thunder", Co-author, Trial Magazine, 1998
  • "Winning Closing Arguments", Speaker, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Annual Seminar, 1993
  • "Practical Problems of Litigating with Foreign Defendants", Speaker, American Bar Association, Section of Tort and Insurance Practice, Washington, D.C., 1993
  • "Evaluating, Proving and Arguing Damages," "Litigating Medical Malpractice Claims", Speaker, American Bar Association, California Continuing Legal Education, 1984
  • "Jury Persuasion", Speaker, Northwestern University School of Law, 2003
  • "Negotiations", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association, 1988
  • "Your Witness: Lessons on Cross-Examination and Life from Great Chicago Trial Lawyers: Cross-Examination and Its Impact on Credibility", Author, Law Bulletin Publishing, 2008
  • Chicago Daily Law Bulletin "NFL Brain Damage Epidemic Continues", Co-author, 2014
  • "Aspects of American Product Liability Law", Speaker, International Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, 1993
  • "Closing Argument -- The Plaintiff's Perspective", Speaker, The Practical Approach to Trial Advocacy Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1984
  • "Trial Superstars ­ One Lawyer's Perspective", Speaker, John Marshall Law School, 2002
  • "Finding and Using Experts in Crash Cases", Speaker, American Bar Association Tort and Insurance Practice Section, Massachusetts, 1988
  • "Powerful Persuasion", Co-author, Trial Magazine, 2006
  • "Aftermath of an Error", Speaker, The NBC/GM Truck-Safety Broadcast Controversy, Loyola University Chicago Communications Department, 1993
  • Co-author, Putting Ice on a Black Eye, Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Medical Malpractice, 2015
  • Chicago Tribune - Sunday Op-Ed piece written by Tom about IL Gov. Bruce Rauner who criticized the IL Supreme Court as being "corrupt.", Voice of the People, 2015
  •  "How to Best Prepare Yourself as an Expert Witness", Speaker, Forensic Expert Witness Association, 2010
  • "Trends in High Exposure and Complex Tort Litigation", Speaker, Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel and Illinois Insurance Association, 2010
  • "The Professors: Cameras in Chicago", Speaker, WCCU-TV, 2010
  • "Jury Deselection & Jury Management", Speaker, Law Bulletin Seminars, 2010
  • "Case Evaluation Conference, Managing the High Verdict Potential Case", Speaker, Law Bulletin Seminars, 2009
  • Demetrio on Trial Practice - "Motions In Limine: Why, When and How to Use Them", Author, CBA Record, 2004
  • American Bar Association Section of Litigation Annual Meeting, Banff, Alberta, Canada, Speaker, 2002
  • Demetrio on Trial Practice - "Daubert: Its Early Years", Author, CBA Record, 2001
  • "Jury Selection Or Is It?", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association, 2001
  • Demetrio on Trial Practice- "Attorney-Client Privilege - Oh, Really?", Author, CBA Record, 2000
  • "The Past, Present and Future of Product Liability", Author, American Bar Association, Litigation Section, 2000
  • "Views of a Trial Lawyer", Speaker, Rotary Club of Chicago, 2000
  • "Loss of Consortium - A Continuing Evolution", Author, Trial Magazine, 2000
  • "Art of Summation", Speaker, New York State Trial Lawyers Institute, 1992
  • "Comparative Fault", Speaker, Indiana State Bar Association, 1988
  • "Assessment of Damages", Speaker, Third Annual Symposium on Head Trauma, Spinal Cord and Amputation for the Litigator, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1984
  • "Medical Malpractice Discovery", Author, Illinois Civil Discovery Practice, 1983
  • "More Cases We Remember - A Lesson In Credibility", Author, 2000
  • "Product Liability" - A Debate, Speaker, Federalist Society, 2000
  • "Mentoring", Speaker, Professionalism Day, IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 2000
  • "Final Argument", Speaker, Anatomy of a Trial Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2000
  • "Rebuttal Argument", Speaker, ATLA Convention, Chicago, Illinois, 2000
  • Demetrio on Trial Practice - "Offers of Proof, Why, When & How", Author, CBA Record, 2000
  • "Plaintiff's Perspective: Closing", Speaker, Federation of Insurance & Corporate Counsel Winter Program, Florida, 1992
  • Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, College of Advocacy, Speaker, 1988
  • "The Medical Malpractice Case", Speaker, The 39th Annual Advocacy Institute, Michigan, 1988
  • "Trial Tactics in Governmental Liability Suits", Speaker, Association of Trial Lawyers of Iowa, 1984
  • "Bad Faith in the '90s -- How to Avoid It", Speaker, Rollins Burdick Hunter Co. National Leadership Conference, 1992
  • "Principles of Illinois Discovery: An Overview", Author, Illinois Civil Discovery Practice, 1983
  • "Opening Statement,"- Presentation of Plaintiff's Perspective in a Product Liability Case, Speaker, Federal Bar Association National Convention, Ohio, 1992
  • "Is a Cap on Damages Socially Desirable?" - Plaintiff's Perspective, Speaker, Illinois Provider Trust Annual Risk Management Meeting, 1992
  • Demetrio on Trial Practice - "Striving for Excellence", Author, CBA Record, 1999
  • Demetrio on Trial Practice - "Opening Statement: Some Initial Thoughts and Bullet Points", Author, CBA Record, 1999
  • "Discovery Practice in the '90s: A How-to Seminar Focusing on Competency, Efficiency & Civility" , Moderator, Chicago Bar Association, 1992
  • "Closing Argument", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association, 1988
  • "Masters of Advocacy", Speaker, Tort Expo, Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, 1988
  • "Rebuttal Argument", Speaker, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Past Presidents Seminar, 2000
  • Demetrio on Trial Practice - "Batson: A Black and White Issue - Or Is It?", Author, CBA Record, 1999
  • "Jury Selection: Plaintiff's Perspective", Speaker, Point/Counterpoint Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1992
  • "Litigating Medical Malpractice Claims", Speaker, American Bar Association, South Carolina, 1988
  • "How Proof Relates to the Final Argument", Speaker, Association of Trial Lawyers of America Mid-Winter Convention, Arizona, 1987
  • "Tort Reform or Deform?: A Public Debate", Speaker, Illinois State Bar Association, 1988
  • "Deposition Strategy and Technique", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, 1983
  • Seminar Chair, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, National College of Advocacy, Specialized Courses, Colorado, Speaker, 1988
  • "Proving Damages in Wrongful Death, Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Cases", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association, 1998
  • "A Collection of Great Closing Arguments: Techniques and Demonstrations", Speaker, California Trial Lawyers Association 26th Annual Tahoe Seminar, 1991
  • "1991 Best Evidence Seminar", Speaker, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, 1991
  • "Training the Advocate: The Pretrial Stage", Speaker, National Institute for Trial Advocacy and The American Bar Association Consortium for Professional Education, 1985
  • "Recent Developments in Evaluating and Proving Damages," "Litigating Medical Malpractice Claims", Speaker, American Bar Association, California Continuing Legal Education, 1983
  • "Trial Practice in the 90's: Jury Selection, Focus Groups and Computer Graphic Animation", Speaker, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1998
  • "Look for the Silver Lining" - An Analysis of Weather-Related Air Crash Disasters, Author, Trial Magazine, 1998
  • "Recent Trends in Evaluating, Proving and Arguing Damages,"- Litigating Medical Malpractice Claims, Speaker, American Bar Association and California Continuing Legal Education, 1987
  • "Plaintiff's Final Argument", Speaker, Illinois Defense Counsel's Tactics Seminar, 1983
  • "Plaintiff's Final Argument in a Comparative Negligence Case", Speaker, Association of Trial Lawyers of Iowa, 1983
  • "Computer Graphics and Animation", Speaker, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Annual Convention, 1998
  • "But Compared to What?" Comparative Fault, Contribution, and Joint and Several Liability in Illinois, Co-author, Illinois Bar Journal, 1998
  • "How to Value the Personal Injury Case: Negotiating Strategies & Settlement Techniques", Speaker, American Bar Association/Association of Trial Lawyers of America Satellite Seminar, Washington, D.C., 1998
  • "Effective Persuasion at Trial", Speaker, Second Annual Presidents Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1983
  • "The Key to Final Argument? - Persuasion", Author, CBA Record, 1998
  • "Developing and Defending Employment Discrimination Cases", Speaker, 42nd Annual Advocacy Institute, California, 1992
  • "How to Establish the Medical Opinion", Speaker, Second Annual Comprehensive Evidence Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1983
  • Federal Trial Bar Advocacy Program, Speaker, 1983
  • "Developing and Defending Employment Discrimination Cases", Speaker, 42nd Annual Advocacy Institute, Michigan, 1991
  • "A Practical Guide to Discovery in Medical Negligence Litigation", Author, Illinois Civil Discovery Practice, 1998
  • "Shaping the Jury's Verdict -- Winning in the Age of Tort Reform", Speaker, 48th Annual Advocacy Institute, The Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Michigan, 1997
  • "Lessons Learned at Trial - Trial Superstars", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, 1997
  • "Closing Arguments", Speaker, Ultimate Mentor Interactive Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1996
  • "Video Depositions - How and When to Use Them", Author, Chicago Bar Association Tort Litigation Committee, 1987
  • Dean: Association of Trial Lawyers of America National College of Advocacy, Specialized College on Damages, Colorado, Speaker, 1987
  • "Illinois Product Liability Practice", Speaker, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1980
  • "Assessment of Damages,"- The Thorough Representation of the Catastrophic-Injured: Causation, Expert Assessments of Damages and Long Term Care Issues, Speaker, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1987
  • "A Practical Guide to Discovery in Medical Negligence Litigation", Author, Illinois Civil Discovery Practice, 1996
  • "Final Argument", Speaker, Joint Seminar of the Association of Florida Trial Lawyers and Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Bermuda, 1991
  • "Delivering a Knock-Out Punch in Opening Statement", Speaker, Third Annual Tort Masters Seminar, sponsored by Alabama Trial Lawyers Association, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers and Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Georgia, 1991
  • "Effective Trial Techniques - From Pre-Trial Proceedings Through Summation", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association, 1991
  • "Delivering a Knock-Out Punch in Opening Statement", Speaker, Third Annual Tort Masters Seminar, sponsored by Alabama Trial Lawyers Association, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers and Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Georgia, 1991
  • "How to Find and Use the Expert Recreational and Sports Witness", Speaker, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1987
  • "Product Liability", Instructor, IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 1979
  • "The Art of Deposition Taking", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association Tort Litigation Committee, 1987
  • "Changes in Recovery Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act", Speaker, Chicago Bar Association Tort Litigation Committee, 1986
  • National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Regional, 1978; National, Speaker, 1983
  • "The Expert Witness in the Courtroom", Speaker, American Society of Safety Engineers, 1979
  • "Determining and Proving Damages", Speaker, NYLJ, Colorado, 1978
  • "Cross Examination", Speaker, American Bar Association, Litigation Section, California, 1977
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