G reta Powell has made her mark in the medical malpractice defense arena, having tried numerous complex medical malpractice cases to verdict. In 2019, Powell earned the JVR Trial Lawyer Excellence Award for Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case. And since then, Powell has continued to provide her clients with outstanding defense in the most complicated medical malpractice cases. Katherine Dzik, an attorney with the Chicago office of Hall Prangle & Schoonveld, has witnessed up close Powell’s legal abilities. “She is the perfect example of how to be an effective advocate for your client while exhibiting grace and humility,” Dzik said. “I have wit- nessed firsthand many instances of Greta’s talents, earning great re- spect from both sides of the bar and contributing to the civil and ef- ficient progression of cases. I find her to embody the characteristics that I believe are so important for our profession: integrity, compassion, advocacy and intellect.” In the courtroom, Powell radiates poise and confidence. Her ability to distill intricate medical jargon into relatable terms has earned the respect of judges and opposing counsel alike. Robert Bingle, an attorney with Chicago’s Wise Morrissey, said that Powell possesses the qualities that only that most successful defense attorneys hold: top legal skills, an unbeatable work ethic, a mature ability to communicate during oral arguments and precise writing skills. “While she represents her clients with the utmost advocacy, she ex- emplifies the highest qualities of civility, including a mature, professional demeanor and accommodating approach to the practice of law,” Bingle said. “She has a general incisiveness that makes it a pleasure to practice law against or with her.” Powell has extensive experience defending cases with significant exposure. She recently served as lead counsel for a hospital in a med- ical malpractice case in which the plaintiff claimed permanent disabil- ity. After the court granted Powell’s motions in limine that precluded the plaintiff from introducing evidence regarding proximate cause, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the case, with prejudice. As co-counsel, Powell represented a physician in a wrongful death case in which the plaintiff asked the jury to award $32.8 million. She also represented a hospital in a case in which the plaintiff asked the jury to award $3.6 million. In both cases, Powell’s clients were found not guilty. “Her clients appear to adore her, and I can imagine why,” said attor- ney Kathryn Conway with Chicago’s Power Rogers, LLP. “She is confi- dent, calm, smart, and thoughtful. Medical malpractice cases are among the most complicated and high-stakes cases in personal injury and Greta handles them with ease.” An alumna of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, Powell is active in the school’s Trial Advocacy Program, having coached numer- ous mock trial teams at the local, regional, and national level. Powell has spoken before hospital organizations and nursing schools on topics related to medical negligence. She has represented several pro bono clients in matters involving domestic violence, an issue that is near and dear to her heart.
GRETA POWELL
AGE 3 8
FIRM Smith Blake Hill, LLC
LAW SCHOOL University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
AREA OF PRACTICE Medical malpractice defense, professional liability defense
2023 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH
Her clients appear to adore her, and I can imagine why.”
40 Under Forty 2023 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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