An Inspiring Role Model for Women Who Are Championing Diversity and Leadership
The legal field is a constantly changing environment where adaptability and resilience are crucial for success. Many lawyers begin their careers with specific goals but often find themselves adjusting to new challenges and opportunities. Winning in litigation requires strategic thinking, teamwork, and handling complex cases efficiently. Leadership in legal practice, especially in mass tort cases, demands insight, compassion, and the ability to adapt to new situations. As the legal landscape evolves, factors like artificial intelligence, changing regulations, and the dramatic increase in mass tort litigation push lawyers to stay innovative while maintaining ethical and professional standards.
Anita Modak-Truran is a living example of women’s empowerment in diversity. Upon obtaining her law degree from Loyola University Chicago Law School in 1987, she did not foresee that a considerable part of her professional journey would involve advocating for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in mass tort litigation. This was not a career trajectory she had deliberately planned. Anita had no idea where her legal career would go. Her father was a doctor and her mother a nurse, and they strongly believed that the medical profession was the only career option worth pursuing, second to a career in engineering. Neither of these options appealed to Anita, who always loved words, debate, and the discussion of different sides of a problem.
However, a series of personal and professional transitions prompted Anita’s husband Mark, their four-year-old son Michael, and herself to relocate from Chicago to Jackson, MS, where a remarkable opportunity presented itself at Butler Snow. Founded in 1954 with merely seven partners, the firm had evolved into a prominent leader in drug and device litigation. She had the honor of working alongside industry luminaries such as Christy Jones from Butler Snow and Lisa Warren at Johnson & Johnson. As Isaac Newton famously stated, Anita has been fortunate to delve into the intricacies of mass tort law by building upon the foundations laid by extraordinary pioneers.
Effective Litigation Management
Anita has spent a significant part of her career managing complex mass tort litigation. Anita shares, “Overseeing strategic case development in conjunction with intricate litigation presents a demanding challenge.” The solution lies in anchoring the strategic plan with the client’s goals and getting input from an ongoing dialogue with the team. “By collaboratively setting clear and attainable objectives, alignment is achieved, progress remains quantifiable, and accountability is promoted,” she highlighted.
Furthermore, Anita also believes that the ability to adapt is crucial, as the unpredictable dynamics of litigation frequently introduce unforeseen obstacles. Embracing a flexible approach enables prompt navigation through these challenges. Anita finds that the process of discovering and executing effective solutions amid uncertainty is among the most fulfilling elements of her profession.
Collaborative Leadership in Mass Tort Litigation
A standout moment in Anita’s career was contributing to a large federal mass tort case, working alongside 150 attorneys from over 25 top-tier law firms. Selected by the client, this talented team operated like a virtual firm, united by a client-first approach.
She emphasizes, “Success stemmed from a culture of trust and open communication, fostering innovative solutions under tight deadlines.” Notably, the litigation was led by women lawyers, whose leadership brought inclusivity, diverse perspectives, empathy, and exceptional attention to detail—a testament to the power of collaborative, female- led leadership.
Navigating Depositions with Insight and Empathy
Anita takes on the role of a dedicated professional, interacting with individuals from various backgrounds throughout the deposition process. With a wealth of experience, she has honed her ability to discern honesty and reveal each person’s narrative. Her objective is to construct a coherent story by grasping the who, what, where, and why of each situation.
Her methodology adapts according to the deponent, whether they are a plaintiff, witness, family member, healthcare provider, employee, or expert. She meticulously evaluates their motivations, differentiating between sincere beliefs and external pressures. “Building trust is essential, particularly when encountering defensiveness,” she asserts.
Personal anecdotes, such as sharing experiences about her eight rescue cats, often help to alleviate tension and encourage openness. Although instances of dishonesty are infrequent, she remains alert. In one significant case, a deponent refuted family issues despite clear evidence, including the heartbreaking loss of a son. Addressing the false testimony, she assertively noted on the record that perjury would not be accepted—a strong affirmation of her dedication to integrity and truth.
Evolving Legal Landscape
Oliver Wendell Holmes famously remarked, “The life of the law has not been logic; it has been experienced.” This observation is particularly pertinent today as the legal environment experiences substantial transformations. Recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court have diminished the deference historically granted to federal agencies in interpreting laws relevant to their areas of expertise. This change is notably apparent in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, where the extent of deference afforded to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now under scrutiny. Although some level of deference persists, it increasingly falls upon attorneys to advocate effectively and construct compelling arguments in these intricate cases.
Mass tort litigation has also seen remarkable growth, evolving into a multi-billion-dollar sector. The surge has been driven by aggressive advertising from attorneys and third-party litigation funding, with some funders treating cases as investment opportunities. In certain situations, plaintiffs may even be incentivized to undergo unnecessary medical procedures to bolster their claims. While proponents argue that these practices enhance access to justice, critics express concerns regarding the validity of numerous claims, including those that are time-barred or pursued with unrealistic expectations of guaranteed compensation. To tackle these issues, legal professionals must engage actively in industry organizations and committees that shape regulations and uphold the integrity of the judicial system.
Another notable change is the emergence of artificial intelligence. AI is transforming the legal profession by streamlining processes, improving research capabilities, and providing predictive insights. However, regulatory oversight has struggled to keep up with these innovations. Issues related to data privacy, security, and ethical usage remain unresolved, leaving legal practitioners to navigate a landscape fraught with uncertainty. As AI technology continues to advance, attorneys must remain informed and adaptable to ensure they can effectively respond to these developments.
Defining Success Beyond Recognition
Anita appreciates the professional accolades she has earned, especially those from organizations that rely on peer reviewed evaluations from judges and colleagues in the legal field. Although she is thankful for these distinctions, they have not shaped her career trajectory. To her, these awards are simply a testament to the hard work and dedication she consistently invests in her profession.
Anita’s genuine sense of self is rooted in her dedication to her clients, her steadfast values, and her resolve to make principled decisions. Her aspiration to be a good and ethical person serves as her primary motivation, holding far greater significance than any official recognition.
Advocating for Women and Fostering Growth
Throughout her career, Anita has consistently received unwavering support from women, starting with her mother, affectionately referred to as “Mama J.” A lively French- Canadian hailing from Montreal, Mama J’s first language was French. She married her father, a Bengali-speaking physician from Calcutta, with English serving as their shared language. Despite the societal challenges posed by their interracial marriage in 1961, they cultivated a rich, multicultural environment where both Diwali and Christmas were joyfully celebrated. Although they faced discriminatory housing obstacles, her childhood was filled with cherished memories of their waterfront residence and enduring friendships.
Anita’s professional journey has also been influenced by remarkable women, such as the Honourable Sophia Hall, the first African American chancellor in Cook County, Illinois. Judge Hall’s commitment and professionalism made a significant impression on her, particularly highlighted by the quote on her desk: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Over time, the significance of this phrase has grown deeper for her.
Driven by a passion for empowering women in the legal sector, Anita has taken on the role of mentor for young professionals, creating pathways for their advancement. Additionally, she has coached diverse mock trial teams, including one at Chicago’s Kenwood Academy, which achieved a notable victory against a prestigious private school, earning accolades from the Chicago City Council.
Recognizing the unique challenges women encounter in the legal profession, she remains dedicated to promoting mentorship. As a senior partner, she ensures that young associates—regardless of gender—receive the guidance, support, and opportunities necessary for their development, enabling them to reach their full potential.
Embracing the Pursuit of Work-Life Balance
Although the notion of work-life balance is frequently romanticized, it has proven to be difficult for Anita to achieve. Nevertheless, the time spent at home during the COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique chance to pause and appreciate valuable moments with family. Anita said that “while remote work often merges personal and professional duties, it also creates opportunities for introspection and bonding. This period highlighted the significance of being fully engaged and cherishing time with loved ones, reinforcing the essential nature of balance in life.”
Advice for Aspiring Attorneys
Anita advises emerging attorneys, especially women, to thoughtfully consider their reasons for pursuing a career in law. She experienced that “The nature of legal work is seldom glamorous; it often entails significant amounts of reading, writing, analysis, and extended hours.” In private law firms, trials are rare, and young lawyers typically have few chances to participate in depositions.
For those who are truly passionate about the field, Anita highlights the necessity of seeking a workplace that offers robust mentorship and a culture that resonates with their values. Some of her most cherished experiences arise from collaborative trial work. Although the demands and long hours can be intense, the sense of camaraderie and collective accomplishments renders the challenges of the profession profoundly fulfilling.
Blending Passion with Purpose
In the upcoming phase of her career, Anita intends to harmonize her legal profession with her enthusiasm for filmmaking. As the executive producer of the acclaimed documentary “The Past Is Never Dead,” she is currently delving into the development of a graphic novel about William Faulkner, intended as an educational resource. Additionally, she established the TPIND Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating content that encourages meaningful dialogue. As the leader of Butler Snow’s Media and Entertainment Industry Group, Anita takes pleasure in guiding clients through their creative endeavours. Experiences such as witnessing Lol Crawley, the cinematographer of “Ballast” (a film she did production legal work) receive an Oscar for “The Brutalist” further ignite her passion for the journey ahead.
