The Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences’ Distinguished Speaker Series- Thursday, November 1, 2007

The Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences’ Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences presents Erin Brockovich at Nova Southeastern University. As part of the college’s Distinguished Speaker Series, Brockovich will speak on November 1, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. in the Miniaci Performing Arts Center. Admission is free. Members of the NSU community can pick up tickets starting Monday, October 22. Members of the public can pick up tickets starting Thursday, October 25.

A movie about her first great legal case made her famous around the world, even though she has never been a lawyer. Julia Roberts won an Oscar for portraying her as a spunky, sassy legal assistant with endless determination, but she might have underplayed the role. As a file clerk in the law firm of Masry and Vititoe, Brockovich came across medical records in a file on a pro bono real estate case and began to look into the matter. Her investigation revealed that the health of many people from Hinkley, California, had been compromised for decades by exposure to Chromium 6, a toxic chemical that had leaked into the groundwater from the nearby Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Compressor Station. The biggest direct action lawsuit of its kind forced the giant utility in 1996 to make the largest legal settlement in U.S. history, paying out $333 million in damages to more than 600 Hinkley residents.

Brockovich has managed other major lawsuits at Masry and Vititoe as their Director of Environmental Research, including one for residents in the town of Kettleman, also against PG&E, that was settled for $335 million. While she has great empathy for the environment, she spearheaded these suits for humane reasons as well. She said, “I do care a great deal about the environment but my real work and my greatest challenge is trying to overcome deceits that end up jeopardizing public health and safety.”

In addition to a small role as a waitress in the film that bears her name, she has also hosted a Lifetime series, Final Justice, a reality drama series about women who have faced great challenges. Brockovich next hosted ABC's Challenge America, which motivated people to support charitable causes.  She has also published a book, Take It from Me, Life’s a Struggle but You Can Win, and worked as a consultant.