Attorney David Casey Jr honored by ALAC for his work to promote clean air, lung health

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – David S. Casey Jr., a senior partner with Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield, a San Diego-based law firm, will be honored for his ongoing work to promote lung health and clean air, April 5, 2008 at the American Lung Association of California’s (ALAC) second annual “Evening in the Sky” event.

The event, a benefit for clean air, will be held from 5:30 to 11 p.m. at downtown San Diego’s Omni Hotel.

For the second consecutive year, ALAC is lauding three “Clean Air Circle” honorees for making a positive impact on the environment and taking a leadership role in the fight against lung disease. In addition to Casey, Alan Ball, director of business services at QUALCOMM and Saul Garcia, president of Kyocera Mexicana, will be honored.

According to the American Lung Association spokesperson Ross Porter, Casey is being recognized specifically for his role in the fight against the tobacco industry, as he successfully represented the then-Lt. Gov. Gray Davis in tobacco litigation on behalf of the people of California, recovering more than $25 billion.

“Over the years, David has been an outstanding advocate for injured Americans and a leader on many issues related to the environment,” Porter said. “In particular, through his fight against the tobacco industry and lung cancer, he has made a significant contribution to the Lung Association’s mission to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.”

In other issues related to the environment, Casey’s firm is known for its groundbreaking litigation related to asbestos (a mineral fiber used in construction that can cause mesothelioma, a rare lung cancer), and has been involved in the ongoing lawsuit against Exxon regarding massive oil spill following the crash of the Exxon Valdez.

A third generation attorney, Casey Jr. has spent 30 years practicing law in San Diego. Specializing in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases, he has received over 50 awards from trial bar associations and obtained successful verdicts and settlements for dozens of high profile cases. He is a past president of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA), a 50,000-member strong national trial bar organization, past president of both the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego and the Consumer Attorneys of California, has been inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and is a fellow of the International Academy of Barristers. He is the recipient of numerous awards, the “Legal Professional of the Year” from the San Diego County Bar Association, the USD’s Author E. Hughes Career Achievement Award and is listed in “Super Lawyers” Magazine and Best Lawyers in America.

The native La Jollan received his juris doctorate from the USD School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Trinity College.

About the American Lung Assocation of California
Lung disease, including asthma, emphysema, and lung cancer, is the third leading cause of death in America, and the American Lung Association of California (ALAC) is working statewide to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. The “Evening in the Sky” event will benefit ALAC programs, research and advocacy. To help sponsor the event, make a reservation or a donation, please call (619) 683-8641 or visit www.eveninginthesky.com.

About CaseyGerry
Located at 110 Laurel Street, CaseyGerry is the oldest plaintiffs’ law firm in San Diego and recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. For more information, call (619) 238-1811 or visit the website, www.caseygerry.com.