Meredith Abrams, General Attorney in New York

I see my work as a commitment to fighting for justice, and fighting for people to be treated fairly. The highest priority is getting the best possible results for our clients and providing the best possible representation.”

Nowhere is this sentiment more desirable than in the work of the Appellate Unit.

Meredith Abrams is part of Weitz & Luxenberg’s demanding and talented team. As part of our Appellate Unit, she focuses on assisting our asbestos exposure litigation team. Ms. Abrams also covers clients and cases for our other W&L practice groups, including defective drugs and medical devices, in addition to our personal injury and medical malpractice units.

“Appellate cases, while slightly slower paced, require being focused on the big picture, and delving into the common legal issues at play,” says Ms. Abrams.

Client Results Are Most Important

W&L holds companies accountable for their negligence and for the harm they inflict on people. We do this by securing appropriate compensation for our clients. This involves negotiating settlements and winning trial verdicts.

When we win a trial, if necessary, we continue to represent our client interests throughout the appellate process. This may occur after our attorneys secure a victory in court against a manufacturer or business.

“If our winning verdict is going to be reviewed by a higher court because the defendant appealed it, our Appellate Unit goes to work. We take the legal steps necessary to uphold the just verdict we won for our client,” explains Ms. Abrams. This is where Ms. Abrams is bringing her legal skills.

Asbestos Exposure Cases May Be Appealed

Manufacturers and other defendants may try to overturn a jury verdict because they don’t want to have to pay it. This happens in all types of cases.

This includes cases of asbestos exposure resulting in mesothelioma and lung cancer . It is well known that asbestos is a harmful substance.

There is no cure for mesothelioma, and it is almost always fatal. Other lung diseases are also debilitating.

Victims and their families suffer the consequences of exposure for years, often a shortened lifetime. Due to the nature of the health hazards, these verdicts can be substantial.

Important Role in W&L Appellate Unit

When manufacturers expose people to asbestos, they act irresponsibly and inexcusably. W&L attorneys hold these types of companies accountable by ensuring victims of asbestos exposure receive appropriate compensation. Our litigation role continues throughout the appellate process.

“My appellate work with at Weitz & Luxenberg allows me to really dig down into legal issues, through focused research and writing,” says Ms. Abrams.

“Because of our Appellate Unit’s skill and tenacity, when any Weitz & Luxenberg litigation unit achieves a victory in court, the real winners are our clients. Our goal is to do our best to ensure people get the compensation they deserve for suffering serious, often life-threatening, injuries.”

Former Assistant District Attorney

Before coming to W&L, Ms. Abrams served as an assistant district attorney for the Kings County District Attorney, Special Victims Bureau in Brooklyn, New York.

In that capacity, she managed over 150 cases involving sex crimes and crimes against children. She saw these cases through, from start to finish.

Ms. Abrams’ duties called for her to investigate and gather evidence during the discovery phase, interview witnesses, participate in court, write and argue motions, and conduct hearings.

She stresses, “It was a privilege to serve my community, helping people in a material way, for those two years.”

Ms. Abrams continues, “My experience with Kings County not only taught me case management, but organization. It taught me, most importantly, to keep sharply focused in on everything you do, from motions to strategic moves you make.”

Always Focused on Academics

“I have always had a passion for writing, and a strong sense of social justice. Practicing law was an easy fit,” Ms. Abrams says.

Graduating with honors from Carnegie Mellon University in 2016, Ms. Abrams completed her Dietrich College Honors Thesis entitled, “Effects of Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws on Plea Bargain Decision Making.”

She attended Columbia Law School, graduating in 2020.

While at Columbia Law School, Ms. Abrams earned a number of accolades including the Dean’s Honors in Advanced Trial Practice; the Young B. Smith Prize; and being named a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar (1L); and James Kent Scholar (2L and 3L).

In 2021, she was admitted to the New York Bar.

Outside the Office

Ms. Abram’s interests include volleyball, travel, and running. She completed her first half-marathon in early 2023.

Presentations & Publications

•“Empirical Analysis of Religious Freedom Restoration Act Cases in the Federal District Courts Since Hobby Lobby”, Columbia Human Rights Law Review, Online, (2019). https://bit.ly/3aZMGFF