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Part Three of a Three-Part Series: "Conversations with the Profession"

Sponsored by Fox Rothschild

For the third and last "Conversations with the Profession," Drexel Law hosted Tom Kline of Kline and Specter, P.C.

Mr. Kline presented on the theme, "Something Good from Something Bad: the Real Role of the Trial Lawyer," focusing on the well-known Hall v. SEPTA case, which he tried in 1999. Below are selected photographs from the evening's presentation and dinner.


Tom Kline, Esq., Acting Dean Jennifer Rosato, and Lou Fryman, Esq. Lou Fryman, Esq. Tom Kline, Esq.
4:30 p.m. - (l. to rt.) - Tom Kline, Esq., Acting Dean Jennifer Rosato, and Lou Fryman, Esq. The moot court room at the School of Law again set the scene for the 3rd and final 2006/07 "Converations with the Profession."
 
As the "Conversation" begins: Lou Fryman, former managing partner of Fox Rothschild, the firm that sponsored "Conversations with the Profession," introduces Tom Kline, Esq., guest presenter.
 
Tom Kline presented on the theme, "Something Good from Something Bad: the Real Role of the Trial Lawyer." He went on to present one of his more famous cases against SEPTA vs. a young boy injured at a Philadelphia subway station.
         
Cover Story from Philadelphia Daily News   Tom Kline brings forth evidence from the trial   Evidence: Clothing Shareif Hall was wearing on the day of the accident.
"Hall vs. SEPTA" - a screen shot of the Philadelphia Daily News published on November 15, 1999 after the jury awarded to Shareif Hall a $50 million dollar judgment for the loss of his foot on a faulty, SEPTA-owned escalator.
 
Tom Kline displays one of the key physical evidence presented at the trial. Though SEPTA has a cap on jury awards of $250,000, Mr. Kline sought to fight the cap and sue for a much higher amount.
 
Shareif's clothing worn on the day of the accident, his torn sneaker, and faulty escalator parts were meticulously laid out during the presentation.
         
Shareif Hall's sneaker   Tom Kline reads from his case notes   Drexel LAw students ask questions from the audience
This is the sneaker that got caught in the faulty escalator that Shareif Hall wore on the day of his accident, showing the area of his sneaker that got caught in the escalator "comb."

  Tom Kline reads from his trial notes. One SEPTA report, dated 19 days before the accident, said the Cecil B. Moore Station escalator needed repairs or it "will not be safe to operate."   Drexel Law students asked questions about the case throughout the session. SEPTA appealed the jury's verdict, and the case was eventually settled.
         
Tom Kline, Esq., Drexel Law student Mike Lee, and Acting Dean Jennifer Rosato   Drexel Law students gather for dinner on the second floor mezzanine   Tedeisha Rowe and Tom Kline
5:30 p.m.:"Dinner and Discussion:" - Drexel Law student Mike Lee (ctr.) asks questions about the trial before dinner begins while Acting Dean Jennifer Rosato (rt.) looks on.

  Drexel Law students gather to enjoy a light supper and talk informally with Tom Kline on the second floor mezzanine.
  Drexel Law student Tedeisha Rowe (l.) and Tom Kline share conversation about the responsibilities of lawyers to society-at-large.

  Last Modified: 7/29/2008 Law School Home Contact Law School Search Drexel Web Feedback

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