Jerry M. Kristal

Jerry M. Kristal of Weitz & Luxenberg is a seasoned attorney who has been passionately advocating for families affected by asbestos for over three decades. He currently serves as the managing attorney of the firm’s Cherry Hill, New Jersey, office, overseeing legal operations and guiding a team dedicated to seeking justice across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Mid-Atlantic region. Mr. Kristal is admitted to practice in several prestigious courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit.

Mr. Kristal’s commitment to fighting for working families was sparked early in his career while teaching in New York City public schools during the 1970s. Witnessing the challenging conditions faced by his students, he was driven to pursue further education, earning both Juris Doctor and Master of Law degrees from Georgetown University Law Center. He initially worked in criminal defense before shifting his focus to civil litigation, particularly asbestos-related cases.

Mr. Kristal has been a key figure in numerous high-profile cases, including a $35 million verdict in 2013 and a $25 million verdict in 2014, both for clients diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. His legal acumen and dedication to his clients have earned him an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell.

Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Kristal is also a respected speaker at legal conferences, sharing his insights on asbestos litigation. Despite his tough exterior in legal battles, he is known for his warmth, compassion, and genuine connection with jurors and clients alike, traits that have been shaped by his extensive experience in teaching and litigation.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.