Frederic W. Norris

The “go-to person” for advice on witness examination in complex tort matters, Norris said the key, is to listen more than speak.

“You have to learn what it is that people want and what they need,” Norris said in a phone interview. “Getting better at listening and learning how to ask the right question, is something I think I have developed over time.”

Norris’ cross examination of his opposing counsel’s public health expert in an asbestos strict liability case, was instrumental in securing a defense verdict for his client Exxon Mobil. The cross examination was even referenced many times in a published opinion affirming the verdict.

The matter, which had massive liability implications for asbestos related torts, involved a husband and wife who sued more than 30 defendants including Exxon Mobil Corp. and Ford Motor Co. The lawsuit alleged the husband’s work as a mechanic resulted in “secondary exposure” of asbestos to the wife through her spouse’s clothes. Petitpas v. Ford Motor Company (2017) 13 Cal.App.5th 261

After looking closely at Norris’ cross examination of Dr. Barry Castleman, who admitted that to this day, there are no studies “’that have any statistical power ... that speak of the mesothelioma risk of mechanics that do brake repair work,” the 2nd District Court of Appeal, division four in Los Angeles refused to expand liability for take-home secondary exposure to asbestos, which could have led to a wave of new claims.

“I’m particularly proud of that opinion and that case because it was one of my first cases where I was able to examine witnesses at trial,” Norris said. “Many of the concessions I got from some of the plaintiff experts, in particular Dr. Castleman, were used in the opinion to support the affirmance on behalf of my client.”

Since stepping into the role of lead counsel, Norris has passed down knowledge learned while serving as second and third chair to others at Dentons. Senior Managing Associate Sylvia Chiu of Dentons, who describes Norris as one of her mentors, said his guidance has helped her become more focused during trial.

“Rick has taught me how to address and anticipate complicated evidentiary and legal issues in trial,” Chiu said. “He has given me tremendous feedback on how to effectively cross-examine witnesses, whether a plaintiff, non-party witness, or an expert.”

— Blaise Scemama