40 Under Forty 2021

2021

PAUL MOTZ

The word that best describes Paul is tenacious.”

P aul Motz is a storyteller at heart. By focusing on the story the defense will tell and mounting an offensive against the plaintiffs bar’s theory tactics, he has become one of the most respected com- mercial litigation specialists in the city. Motz, a shareholder with Chicago’s Segal McCambridge, prevails for the de- fense time and again. Across the country in situations other lawyers consider lost causes, he slashes settlement and verdicts amounts which otherwise would have been catastrophically high. This is why clients are quick to turn to Motz when facing expensive litigation. They know he gives them the best chance to earn a favorable settlement or winning verdict. “For several years, Paul has been an in-demand first chair trial attorney on some of the largest tort and commer- cial litigation matters around the coun- try,” said Craig Capilla, a trial lawyer with Franklin Law Group in Northfield, Illinois. “Paul has secured several verdicts for his defense clients in which the plaintiff de- mand was in excess of $10 million.” Thanks to his legal skills and un- matched work ethic, Motz’s future looks bright. To date in 2021 he has already tak- en two cases to verdict, including serving as lead trial counsel on the first in-person trial in downtown Los Angeles since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Motz served as lead counsel on this 10- day catastrophic personal injury trial in Los Angeles that began in January. Mark Johnson, an associate at the Los Angeles

office of law firm Tyson & Mendes, ob- served Motz during this trial. He was im- pressed by Motz’s abilities, preparation and presence in the courtroom. Part of what made Motz’s performance so impressive is that he is not licensed to practice law in California but was admit- ted pro hac vice for this case. “Although not a California attorney, Mr. Motz did a stellar job on an incredibly difficult case,” Johnson said. “He had the herculean task of taking on one of the top trial lawyers in California.” Chicago attorney Chris Dallavo met Motz when the pair represented the same client in a wrongful death case filed by a prominent plaintiff’s attorney. Dallavo was retained by the primary insurer and Motz served on behalf of the excess insurer. Like others who have worked with Motz, Dallavo was impressed with Motz’s understanding of the law, ability to craft legal strategies and dedication to his client. “The word that best describes Paul is tenacious,” Dallavo said. “He stepped into the middle of a wrongful death case after the prior attorney handling the case left his firm. He quickly learned the issues and jumped on a plane to prepare and present the CEO of a multi-million-dollar company for deposition. “He demonstrated poise and confi- dence in the preparation and presenta- tion of the CEO. His fierce advocacy con- tributed to a result with which all parties were equally dissatisfied, so justice was done,” Dallavo said.

FIRM Segal McCambridge

LAW SCHOOL DePaul University College of Law

AREA OF PRACTICE Tort and commercial litigation

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN