Erin Brockovich The South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association recently named award- winning Environmental Advocate Erin Brockovich the keynote speaker for its 2008 Convention at the Westin Resort in Hilton Head, S.C. August 7- 9. Brockovich will address nearly 1,000 of the organization's members and their guests on Saturday morning at 10 am.

"Mrs. Brockovich is an internationally sought after speaker, and we are honored she has made time in her busy schedule for us," said SCTLA Executive Director Mike Hemlepp. "Given the great dedication that trial lawyers have had in bringing environmental issues to public attention, this comes at an important time in our association's history. It will be a privilege to have her at the convention."

In 1993, Brockovich discovered that the California utility, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, had been poisoning the residents of Hinkley, Calif. with the toxic chemical Chromium 6. Her tireless research resulted in the largest legal settlement in U.S. history against the company.

She has won numerous awards and has spoken with many groups dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers and citizens against environmental torts. In 2000, Universal Studios released

the movie Erin Brockovich

to tell the story of the residents of Hinkley, and Julia Roberts won an Academy Award for her portrayal of the title role.

"We do our best to ensure our members get the most from the annual convention," SCTLA President John Nichols said. "Mrs. Brockovich continues a long line of special guest speakers who raise the bar for knowledge and insight in the ever-chang- ing field of law and justice."

Brockovich owns Brockovich Consulting and still works closely with Masry and Vititoe, the law firm that brought the PG&E litigation after she discovered medical records as part of a pro bono real estate matter.

The South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association was founded over 50 years ago and is the state's leading advocate for the protection of citizens' right to civil justice as guaranteed by the Constitution.