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

Series Supported by Fox Rothschild

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.
"Hall vs. SEPTA" - a screen shot of the Philadelphia Daily News published on November 15, 1999: The jury in the famous case awarded to Shareif Hall a $50 million dollar settlement for the loss of his foot on a faulty, SEPTA-owned escalator.		Tom Kline brings forth evidence used at the trial, piece by piece. 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.
This is the sneaker that got caught in the faulty escalator that Shareif Hall wore on the day of his accident. The area of his sneaker that got caught in the escalator "comb" is plainly visible.		Tom Kline reads from his case 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." SEPTA chose not to heed this advice, leading to Shareif's tragic accident.		Drexel Law students asked various questions about the case. SEPTA appealed the jury's verdict, and the case was eventually settled for a lower, but still-substantial amount.
5:30 p.m.:"Dinner and Discussion:" - Drexel Law student Mike Lee (ctr.) asks questions about the trial before dinner begins while Dean Jennifer Rosato (rt.) looks on.		Drexel Law students gather to enjoy a light supper and talk with Tom Kline on the second floor mezzanine.		Drexel Law student Tedeisha Rowe (l.) and Tom Kline share conversation and a light-hearted moment over discussion about the responsibilities of lawyers to society-at-large.