Jeff Lawton

Senior Trial Partner Jeff Lawton is an accomplished trial attorney who has been with Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP (MCB) since 1983. Enthusiastic and motivated by the very process of representing a client at trial, he often takes on cases that other attorneys have declined. In his own words: “I don’t like my job, I love it.” Jeff excels at simplifying esoteric medical concepts and technicalities into terms jurors can understand, and savors the opportunity to educate juries by using drawings, charts, analogies, and other tools to focus their attention on the pertinent issues of each case.

Though Jeff has successfully tried many general and professional liability cases, his true specialty is representing doctors and hospitals in the medical malpractice arena. Before commencing a case, Jeff becomes completely engrossed in learning the applicable medicine and then using that knowledge to craft a powerful and effective trial strategy. He consistently receives high marks for his down-to-earth communication skills which, along with his calm and measured demeanor, help to establish an excellent rapport with clients and jurors alike.

Jeff’s 42+ years of experience include:
•Trying over 60 medical malpractice cases from trial to verdict across a wide range of medical specialties, including complex cases pertaining to emergency medicine, endovascular neurosurgery and obstetrical malpractice.
•Defending physicians and medical centers in several high-exposure cases, including a featured trial on Court TV.
•Cross-examining medical experts before the New York Supreme Court.

Jeff is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, their highest rating, and he is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a prestigious organization where membership is by invitation only.

Jeff is a frequent lecturer at major teaching hospitals on matters ranging from medical practice to risk management issues and protocols. He administers MCB’s Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program and not only lectures to clients, fellow attorneys, and students at prestigious law schools in that capacity, but also develops the lion’s share of the curriculum for the Firm’s CLE courses. He greatly enjoys mentoring the new crop of associates joining the Firm each year, leading their orientation process and meeting with them on a weekly basis to ensure they have the tools and support they need to succeed at MCB.