Lance D. Northcutt - Chicago, IL

Lance D. Northcutt is a Partner at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., where he represents individuals and families in cases involving catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, civil rights violations, and mass tort litigation. Since joining the firm in 2020, Mr. Northcutt has recovered more than $1.1 billion on behalf of his clients.

With a legal career shaped by experience in law enforcement, criminal prosecution, complex civil litigation, and trial advocacy, Mr. Northcutt brings a unique perspective to every case he handles. His background provides him with a deep understanding of investigations, evidence, and courtroom strategy, allowing him to effectively advocate for clients facing some of the most challenging legal matters.

Trial Experience & Record of Results

Before joining Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, Mr. Northcutt served as a law enforcement officer and Cook County prosecutor. Throughout his career, he has tried hundreds of cases before judges and juries and has represented clients in trial and appellate matters, including before the Illinois Supreme Court.

Since joining the firm, Mr. Northcutt has played a key role in several high-profile cases, including:

• $363 million jury verdict – Secured against Sterigenics on behalf of a woman who developed breast cancer following exposure to ethylene oxide emissions from a medical device sterilization plant. The verdict included $38 million in compensatory damages and $325 million in punitive damages.
• Global Sterigenics settlement – Served as one of the lead negotiators in a settlement involving more than 800 additional victims who brought claims against the company.
• $241 million jury verdict – Obtained as part of a trial team for the family of a Missouri man who died while transporting dry ice as part of his work as a courier. The verdict included $49.5 million in compensatory damages and $191.5 million in punitive damages.
• $79.85 million jury verdict – Obtained as part of a trial team representing the family of a 10-year-old girl who was killed following an unauthorized police pursuit in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. According to the Jury Verdict Reporter, the verdict is the highest reported Illinois verdict for a police pursuit crash.
• $45 million settlement – Secured for a young man who suffered a traumatic brain injury following a vehicle pursuit.

These results reflect Mr. Northcutt’s commitment to holding negligent parties accountable and pursuing justice for individuals and families affected by catastrophic harm.

Areas of Practice

Mr. Northcutt focuses his practice on:

• Catastrophic Personal Injury – Representing individuals who have suffered severe and life-changing injuries.
• Wrongful Death – Helping families seek justice after losing a loved one due to negligence.
• Civil Rights Litigation – Advocating for individuals whose rights have been violated.
• Mass Tort Litigation – Handling complex cases involving widespread harm caused by corporate negligence or dangerous products.

Legal Education & Trial Advocacy

Mr. Northcutt has dedicated more than 20 years to teaching trial advocacy, evidence, and legal ethics to law students and attorneys in the United States and Ireland.

He serves as an Adjunct Professor at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he leads the International Comparative Advocacy Program in Dublin, Ireland, in partnership with the Honorable Society of King’s Inns, the Bar Council of Ireland, and the Irish Supreme Court.

Throughout his teaching career, Mr. Northcutt has helped train future lawyers and trial advocates. His dedication to legal education has earned him recognition as:

• Chicago-Kent Adjunct Professor of the Year
• Outstanding Trial Team Coach

Professional Service & Leadership

Mr. Northcutt has contributed extensively to the legal profession through teaching, public service, and professional leadership.

His roles include:

• Member, Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Professional Responsibility
• Former Commissioner, Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism (2015–2021)
• Frequent speaker and moderator at legal seminars in the United States and Ireland

He has also developed strong connections within the Irish legal community through his work with the International Comparative Advocacy Program, helping law students and attorneys gain a deeper understanding of different legal systems and trial practices.

Professional Recognition

Mr. Northcutt’s legal accomplishments have earned recognition from respected legal organizations and publications, including:

• Best Lawyers
• Illinois Super Lawyers
• Law Bulletin Media’s Leading Lawyers
• 2023 Trial Lawyer Excellence Award from Law Bulletin Media for his work on the Sterigenics litigation

Education

Mr. Northcutt graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, formerly The John Marshall Law School, in 2002.

During law school, he:

• Served as Editor-in-Chief of two publications
• Was a member of The John Marshall Law Review
• Received the Hertzog Academic Scholarship
• Received the Kissane Award for Public Service

Professional Memberships

Mr. Northcutt is a member of:

• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• American Association for Justice
• American Bar Association
• Chicago Bar Association

Community Involvement

Outside of his legal practice, Mr. Northcutt remains committed to service and advocacy. He serves on the Board of Directors for the International Institute for Animal Law and volunteers with Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Through his work in the courtroom, classroom, and community, Mr. Northcutt continues to dedicate his career to protecting the rights of others and advancing the legal profession.