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Bridget McKinstry
Trial Attorney at Zurich North America
Professional Background
Bridget A. McKinstry is a highly skilled litigator with over two decades of experience specializing in products liability, employment law, and insurance defense. Her comprehensive involvement in litigation encompasses every stage, from initial analysis through to verdict. With a keen eye for detail and a robust understanding of the legal landscape, Bridget has demonstrated her ability to navigate pre-trial motions, jury selection, trial processes, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) effectively.
Bridget's career trajectory has seen her protect the interests of both suppliers and manufacturers embroiled in catastrophic personal injury and product liability cases, showcasing her strong advocacy for her clients. Moreover, her focus on wrongful termination litigation signifies her commitment to assisting employers in navigating complex employment law matters.
Bridget's expansive skill set includes drafting and challenging pleadings, conducting depositions, and preparing successful dispositive motions, cementing her reputation as a formidable opponent in litigation. With second chair trial experience and a history of effective mediation and settlement negotiations, her approach is both strategic and tactical, always aiming to achieve optimal outcomes for her clients.
Education and Achievements
Bridget's academic foundation is as impressive as her professional accolades. She earned her Bachelor of Arts with honors in English and Rhetoric from St. Mary's College in Moraga, California, where she also shone as a scholar athlete. Her commitment to excellence continued at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, where she was awarded a Juris Doctor in 1998 and received the CALI Award for Excellence.
During her formative years in law school, Bridget held prestigious externships with notable figures such as the Honorable Ming W. Chin, Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court, and the Honorable Paul Turner, Presiding Justice of the California Court of Appeals, Division 5. These experiences not only refined her legal acumen but also provided her with unique insights into the judicial decision-making process.
Bridget's educational journey, marked by significant achievements, has laid a strong foundation for her successful legal career. Her involvement in the Women’s Law Association underscored her dedication to advocating for women's rights within the legal profession.
Professional Associations & Memberships
Professionally, Bridget is an active member of several prestigious organizations including the State Bar of California, the Earl Warren Inns of Court—recognized with the Best Program Award in 2009-2010—and the California Supreme Court Historical Society. Additionally, she is a member of the Alameda County Bar Association, where she contributes her expertise and experience to the legal community.
Bridget has also greatly benefited from her role as a trial attorney at Zurich North America. Previously, she has held esteemed positions at Gordon-Creed, Kelley, Holl & Sugerman, LLP, Becherer, Kannett & Schweitzer as Senior Counsel, and Wilson Elser as an Associate. Each of these roles has allowed her to deepen her experience in litigation while building a reputation for reliability and precision.
Conclusion
Bridget A. McKinstry has established a remarkable career as a seasoned litigator, making significant contributions to the fields of products liability, employment law, and insurance defense. Armed with a robust academic background and a wealth of practical experience, she is recognized for her strategic thinking and commitment to her clients. Her continuous involvement in professional associations underscores her dedication to the legal profession, ensuring that she stays abreast of the latest developments and trends across her areas of expertise. As she continues to build on her impressive career, Bridget remains a formidable advocate, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence in all facets of her work.
