Teresa Fariss McClain, Robins Kaplan LLP

What are the biggest challenges you currently see in personal injury law?

Two of the biggest challenges I see in personal injury law, and especially in birth injury medical malpractice cases, is first untangling the web of where the negligence first occurred, and second, to connect the negligence as a direct cause of harm. In these situations, both the mother and baby are usually treated by a host of healthcare providers, who are each responsible for different aspects of their care. So when something goes wrong, it can be challenging to pinpoint where the initial breakdown occurred, who is ultimately responsible, and the cause of injury.

What advice would you give a client to avoid legal complications in a personal injury case?

Don’t admit fault. It might feel natural to say you’re sorry in the moment, but doing so could complicate your case down the line. Let the facts speak for themselves and trust that your legal team will help tell your story in the right way.

Without revealing the names of a client, what is the most interesting case you’ve worked on lately?

I recently obtained a 7-figure settlement for a high-stakes birth injury case that required a deep understanding of medical malpractice law in Minnesota. While these types of matters are heartbreaking, the outcome brought the family some measure of justice and support.

How do you manage work/life balance?

As a mom to twin boys heading off to university this fall, and with two adult children as well, a perfectly harmonious work/life balance is more of an idea than a daily reality. I’ve learned to take stock of the season I’m in and realize that different parts of my life will need increased concentration at different times. Sometimes that means I’m deep in trial prep, and other times it means I’m focused on college move-in plans.

What is one thing you would change about Minnesota if you could?

If I could change one thing about Minnesota, I’d extend the State Fair. Twelve days just isn’t enough. It’s one of the best parts of the year: the energy, the people, the traditions and the deep-fried creativity.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Something most people don’t know about me is that I started my career as a registered nurse working in the labor and delivery unit, along with high-risk obstetrics and critical care. Those years I spent caring for people during some of the most intense and vulnerable moments of their lives still shapes everything I do as an attorney today.