morrisp@jbltd.com
H. Patrick Morris concentrates his practice in First Amendment/Media litigation, business litigation, class actions, products liability, and toxic tort claims, as well as the investigation and trial of regulatory matters (including OSHA hearings and investigations).
A former adjunct law professor with Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago-Kent College of Law, Mr. Morris has taught intensive clinical training in trial advocacy, and frequently lectures on various subjects, having spoken at or chaired many educational seminars. His peers have nominated him for an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He has been consistently recognized in Illinois Super Lawyers. In 2023, he was recognized by the Best Lawyers in America. In 2012, Mr. Morris was honored with the Sheryl J. Willert Pioneer Diversity Award, for his dedication to the cause of diversity in the bar. (View his acceptance speech.)
Mr. Morris was elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and also belongs to several law organizations, including the Defense Research Institute (Board of Directors 2001-2006), the Society of Trial Lawyers Illinois (Board of Directors 2001-2003), the International Association of Defense Counsel and the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication. Mr. Morris is admitted to practice in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri.
Moderator, Genetics' Growing Interaction with the Law - Mesothelioma, BAP1, and Genetic Susceptibility, a presentation by Dennis Paustenbach, PhD, DABT, Paustenbach and Associates, July 14, 2021
The Defense Asbestos Litigation Seminar: DALS 2015 June 3-5, 2015 at The Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Recent Verdicts-2015"
Program Co-Chair, “Oil Spill Litigation and Emerging Issues Seminar, Defense Research Institute,” The Houstonian Hotel, Houston, TX, August 12 -13, 2010
Program chair of “Challenges Facing Corporate America 2008,” a Defense Research Institute, Corporate Counsel Roundtable; also moderated “Emerging New Theories of Corporate Environmental Liability-Climate Change and Public Nuisance Litigation,” 2008
Committee Chair, Defense Research Institute Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Seminar, 2000, and Moderator, “Keeping the Gloves On: Small Players versus Manufacturers in the Large Toxic Case — How to Resolve the Conflict, Defense Research Institute Toxic Torts and Environmental Law seminar,” 2000
Speaker, “Strategies for Defending Mold Lawsuits,” American Insurance Association's Emerging Trends Conference: Mold-The Challenge Ahead, May 20-21, 2002, McLean, Va.
Speaker, “All Industry Forum on Mold,” National Association of Independent Insurers, Oct. 9, 2001
Speaker, Interactive Voir Dire – “Trial of the Case that has Already Been Tried in the Media,” DRI Annual Meeting 2001, Oct. 5, 2001, Chicago
Program Co-Chair and Speaker, “Cutting Edge Issues in Mold Litigation and Initial Handling of a Mold Claim,” Mealey's National Mold Litigation Conference, Oct. 1-2, 2001, Chicago
Speaker, Updates – “Toxic Tort and Environmental Issues and Verdict Summaries” (Solvents, Pesticides, Hazardous Chemicals, Irritants, Hazardous Waste and Asbestos), Defense Research Institute Toxic Tort and Environmental Law Seminar, March 8-9, 2001, New Orleans
Seminar Chair and Speaker, “The Dose-Response Requirement in Mold-Sick-Building and Building-Related Illness Claims,” Mealey's Mold Litigation Conference, February 8-9, 2001, Philadelphia
Speaker, “Lead 101 and How to Value Lead Cases,” 2000 Mealey's, October 18-19, 2000, St Louis
Speaker and Program Chair, “Keeping the Gloves On: Small Players versus Manufactures in the Large Toxic Case - How to Resolve the Conflict,” Defense Research Institute Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Seminar, March 2, 2000
Speaker, “Neuropsychological Testing and Testimony,” Mealey’s Midwest Lead Litigation Conference (Co-Chair), October 10, 1996, Chicago
Speaker, “Tort Law Update,” Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel Spring Meeting, March 2, 1996, Chicago
Speaker, “Defending Chemical Exposure Toxic Tort Claims,” Society for Chemical Hazard Communication Fall Meeting, October 17, 1995, Arlington, Va.
Speaker, “Proving or Defending Lead, Repetitive Stress Injury, Medical Device, Pharmaceutical and Brain Damage Cases,” Practicing Law Institute: The Defense of Lead Paint Cases, September 21, 1995, broadcast live via satellite, New York
Speaker, “Cross-Examination of Plaintiff's Neuropsychologist, “ 1995 Mealeys' National Lead Litigation Conference, May 4-5, 1995, Philadelphia
Speaker, “Presenting the Defendant for Deposition,” Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Shotgun Seminar, February 4, 1995, Urbana, Ill.
Speaker, “Cross-Examination of Plaintiff's Rehabilitation Witness, Effective Direct and Cross-Examination of Expert Witnesses,” Chicago Bar Association, January 9, 1995, Chicago
"Are Plaintiff's Class Action Lawyers Already Setting Up Shop for Violations of New CFPB Rules?" Johnson & Bell Business Newsletter, 2013
“Gulf Coast Residents Sue BP, Nalco for Dispersant Exposure,” Chemical Week, August 2-9, 2010
“Illinois Appellate Court Reverses Trial Court: Madison County Asbestos Case Does Not Belong in Illinois,” DRI In the Voice: Legal News, September 22, 2010
