Speaker: Robert Bilott, Partner, Taft
Hosted by Ryan Messer and James Mususaca-Messer, North Avondale
The New York Times Magazine described Cincinnati attorney Robert Bilott as “DuPont’s worse nightmare.” A partner at Taft, he took on an environmental lawsuit that upended his career and exposed a decades-long history of chemical contamination of drinking water near a DuPont plant in West Virginia. What began as a simple lawsuit involving dead cattle developed into one of the most significant environmental class-action law suits in US history. Bilott will share the fascinating twists and turns of the case that exposed a brazen history of chemical pollution, affecting the drinking water of over 70,000 West Virginia and Ohio residents.
Designed by Matthew Burton and built in 1897 for Frank Enger, the Messer-Musuraca home has recently been restored to its original beauty after nearly a half century as a Xavier University dorm. Included in the 1997 book, Great Houses of the Queen City, the 10-bedroom home now displays the beautiful woodwork and carvings that were hidden for years by thick paint; it includes pre-deco stained glass that boasts more than 300 pieces per window. Situated on two acres, it’s a perfect space for a growing family. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and desserts, accompanied by wine, soft drinks, tea, and coffee, in this beautiful setting.