Norma N. Bennett
Senior Counsel – Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP

 

Description of field of expertise

Norma is a seasoned litigator with more than 20 years of litigation experience. Her practice is focused on product liability, commercial litigation, intellectual property, and bankruptcy matters. 

Norma has defended clients in product liability-related matters involving thousands of plaintiffs and represented clients in complex commercial litigation matters, handling a range of business disputes including breach of contract, covenants not to compete, business dissolutions, and fraud and fraudulent misrepresentation claims. 

Norma has also handled employment litigation and policy matters, and defended clients in intellectual property and personal injury matters. 

Norma has significant experience conducting all phases of litigation and is skilled at managing, directing and coordinating complex litigation, supervising and directing teams of associates, paralegals, technical analysts and staff. She has also coordinated complex litigation through joint-defense groups and local counsel across jurisdictions. Additionally, Norma has considerable experience in representing clients in arbitration before the American Arbitration Association. 

Norma also brings more than two decades of management and leadership experience to her roles in litigation. Prior to joining the legal profession, she was a captain in the U.S. Air Force and sales representative for Ethicon, Inc., a leading maker of medical devices, surgical equipment and wound closure products.

 

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Decide whether you want to be an expert in a particular practice area or to be a generalist. Both have their advantages. Focusing on one or two practice areas, you can become a subject-matter expert in those areas. However, as a generalist, you can build experience in several areas which allows you to stay flexible and weather changes in the legal marketplace.  Whichever road you choose, stay curious and keep your eyes open for opportunity. And when an opportunity presents itself, don’t be afraid to go for it, even if you have to pivot to do so. 

The practice of law is an honorable profession. But like anything, you will get as much out of it as you put into it. Do not be afraid to chart your own path.

 

Final thoughts…

Remember, it’s your career and you can, and will, get excellent advice from others. But, at the end of the day, you have to make the call. Stay true to yourself.