Krista Luzio

How has Krista Luzio managed to cultivate such a multifaceted practice with her impressive legal track record? Her ability to integrate and guide a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals and legal colleagues, paired with her keen eye for the law makes her formidable in the courtroom and in her motion practice. 

Additionally, Luzio has second-chaired four trials to verdict, each resulting in "not guilty" decisions for her clients. These were not easy cases to win, either. In each, the plaintiffs suffered permanent disabilities, with their attorneys asking for $15 million to $20 million at trial. 

With results like this, it's easy to see why Luzio has earned so much respect from her peers and trust from her clients. 

During these cases, Luzio assisted in picking juries, conducted the direct examination of hospital witnesses and presented key defendant experts on liability, causation and damages, said a Judge with the chancery division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She also conducted cross-examination of key fact witnesses and plaintiffs' experts. 

"As a result of her demonstrated legal skill and acumen, Krista became partner during her first year of eligibility, which is rare at Hall Prangle," the Judge said. "Her civility while still strenuously advocating for her clients is something that is also notable."

Aiju Thevatheril, with Chicago's Swanson, Martin and Bell, points to a recent case as an example of Luzio's legal skills.

Last year, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Luzio was involved in a trial with a sympathetic family and plaintiff who at an early age was forced to live in an assisted-living facility because of a debilitating stroke. The lawyers in this three-week trial included several skilled and aggressive ones. Luzio, though, remained calm and handled the damages portion of the trial with grace, Thevatheril said. This resulted in a successful result for her hospital client. 

"She is an asset to her clients, her firm and to the legal community as a whole," Thevatheril says of Luzio.

Her fellow attorneys say that Luzio boasts a strong trial presence, disarming and relatable but also knowledgeable and confident. 

"Krista is one of the most intelligent lawyers that I have had the privilege of working with," said Ronitha Maharaj, claims counsel with Zurich North America. "She has a natural gift of understanding the medicine and explaining it to laypersons in a trial setting. She has an innate emotional intelligence that allows her to read the needs of the client in challenging situations and illicit the best results. Krista is a rare combination of brilliance and humility that makes her a tremendous asset to the defense bar. She is a truly a Trojan Horse."

Outside the courtroom, Luzio serves as co-chair of Hall Prangle & Schoonveld's New Associate Training Program and a member of the Education Committee. She is also active in her community and plays the Euphonium as a member of the Lakeside Pride Band, a Chicago music ensemble created to empower and inspire change through music.