Environmental litigation mavin and self-starter, Erin Brockovich, will discuss her perspectives on “The Power of Influence,” on Thursday, October 7, at 8:00 p.m. in Garrison Theater at the Scripps College Performing Arts Center. The lecture is part of the Alexa Fullerton Hampton Speaker Series, “The Power of Influence,” at Scripps College. This lecture is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. A pre-lecture reception at 5:30 p.m and dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the Hampton Room of the Malott Commons are also available for $25 per person. Please call the Malott Commons at (909) 607-9372 by October 1.
Brockovich made a name for herself with a now famous case she pursued while she was a file clerk at the law firm of Masry & Vititoe. Brockovich’s solo investigation led to the discovery that countless people who lived in and around Hinkley, California in the 1960s, 70s and 80s had been devastated by exposure to toxic Chromium 6. Brockovich discovered that Chromium 6 had leaked into the groundwater from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Compressor Station. In a lawsuit spearheaded by Brockovich and Ed Masry, the giant utility was ordered to make the largest toxic tort injury settlement in U.S. history, paying out some $333 million in damages.
These legal triumphs and her personal struggles were dramatized in the hit movie Erin Brockovich. The movie received 5 academy award nominations. Actress Julia Roberts received a best actress award for her portrayal of Brockovich.
Over the years, Brockovich has received a number of awards and honors from organizations across the country for her work in environmental litigation and advocacy, some of which include: “Consumer Advocate of the Year” from Consumer Attorneys of California, “Walk the Talk” award from Heal the Bay, the “Courageous and Unflagging” designation for her efforts in Hinkley from the County of Los Angeles, and, from the California Legislature, Assembly Resolution No. 1621 for her personal commitment to ensuring the environment is free of toxic pollution.
Brockovich now serves as Director of Environmental Research at Masry & Vititoe, where she has been for 10 years. She is currently involved in major environmental lawsuits that she put together. In addition, Brockovich’s book, Take It From Me, Life’s a Struggle But You Can Win, is currently on bookstore shelves. She also continues to lecture around the country.
The Alexa Fullerton Hampton Speaker Series is made possible through the generous bequest of Alexa Fullerton Hampton, Scripps class of 1942.