If a book was written about Brian Hannula, it would probably be entitled Not About Me. As a committed, ambitious lawyer and a passionate youth sports coach, Brian is always giving his best effort and time to others. In the field of litigation, Brian uses his love of learning to become an expert on every product and client he represents. He likes to be deliberate in his analysis and offers clients honest evaluations. A client can expect an efficient work ethic from Brian, as well as a knowledgeable background. Brian is well equipped to find the right answer, and enjoys defending that right answer in order to give his clients a favorable outcome.Important Litigation Involvement>Defended and tried a claim pending in Hinds County, Mississippi against a fire suppression device manufacturer>Co-trial counsel in Pace v. Palmer Petroleum, Mississippi Oil & Gas Board 2013 (administrative trial – oil field pollution)>National Coordinating Counsel for a product manufacturer and a product supplier involved in asbestos litigation, which includes the development and execution of an overall litigation strategy>Thompson v. Echostar Commc'ns. Corp., 89 So. 3d 696 (Miss. Ct. App. 2012). Successfully argued in front of the Mississippi Court of Appeals an appeal by plaintiff of a trial court's order excluding plaintiff's fire cause/origin expert and granting summary judgment in favor of a satellite television equipment manufacturer>Kelly v. Showhaulers Trucks, Inc., 460 Fed. Appx. 292 (5th Cir. 2012). Obtained summary judgment on punitive damages and other damages on behalf of custom trailer manufacturer related to a trailer explosion, affirmed by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals>Developed strategy on behalf of small restaurant to resolve multiple salmonella claims>Obtained favorable settlements and/or dismissals in several claims against synthetic stucco manufacturer after manufacturer had been assessed punitive damages in prior litigation>Obtained favorable result for extrusion screw manufacturer in suit filed by rubber producing company claiming over $1 million in lost profits and other damages>Successfully defended personal injury claims (including the death of a minor child) filed against a sub-contractor involved in an airport renovation project>Obtained favorable settlement in mercury exposure case involving two minor children with potential damages totaling more than $20 million>Nancy Lott v. Harris D. Purvis and BRJ, Inc., 2 So.3d 789. Obtained summary judgment for trucking company, which was upheld on appeal>Employers Mutual Casualty Company v. RLI Insurance Company, 2008 WL 4330300 (insurance coverage). Obtained summary judgment in favor of defendant insurance company based on the application of the volunteer payment doctrine>In re Silica Products Liability Litigation, No. 1553, 398 F. Supp. 2d 563 (S.D. Tex 2005)Law School Honors & Awards
•Mississippi College Law Review
•Mississippi Bar Award, Business Law Section
Professional Recognitions
• Mid-South Rising Stars since 2012: Personal Injury Defense: Products
•Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent AV Peer Review Rated Ongoing Peer Education & Seminar Presentations
•American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (CPCU), Northern Wisconsin Chapter, MDL 1553 and Beyond
Community Service Involvement
•Pinelake Church, Deacon
•Clinton Baseball Association Board Member
•Youth baseball and soccer coach
Important Litigation Involvement
•Co-trial counsel in Pace v. Palmer Petroleum, Mississippi Oil & Gas Board 2013 (administrative trial oil field pollution)
•National Coordinating Counsel for a product manufacturer and a product supplier involved in asbestos litigation which includes the development and execution of an overall litigation strategy
• Thompson v. Echostar Commcns. Corp., 89 So. 3d 696 (Miss. Ct. App. 2012). Successfully argued in front of the Mississippi Court of Appeals an appeal by plaintiff of a trial courts order excluding plaintiffs fire cause/origin expert and granting summary judgment in favor of a satellite television equipment manufacture
• Kelly v. Showhaulers Trucks, Inc., 460 Fed. Appx. 292 (5th Cir. 2012). Obtained summary judgment on punitive damages and other damages on behalf of custom trailer manufacturer related to a trailer explosion, affirmed by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
•Developed strategy on behalf of small restaurant to resolve multiple salmonella claims
•Obtained favorable settlements and/or dismissals in several claims against synthetic stucco manufacturer after manufacturer had been assessed punitive damages in prior litigation
•Obtained favorable result for extrusion screw manufacturer in suit filed by rubber producing company claiming over $1 million in lost profits and other damages
•Successfully defended personal injury claims (including the death of a minor child) filed against a sub-contractor involved in an airport renovation project
•Obtained favorable settlement in mercury exposure case involving two minor children with potential damages totaling more than $20 million
• Nancy Lott v. Harris D. Purvis and BRJ, Inc., 2 So.3d 789. Obtained summary judgment for trucking company which was upheld on appeal
• Employers Mutual Casualty Company v. RLI Insurance Company, 2008 WL 4330300 (insurance coverage). Obtained summary judgment in favor of defendant insurance company based on the application of the volunteer payment doctrine
•In re Silica Products Liability Litigation, No. 1553, 398 F. Supp. 2d 563 (S.D. Tex 2005) Pro Bono
• Stewpot Community Services Legal Clinic.
