Synopsis
Trial by Fire: One Man's Battle to End Corporate Greed and Save Lives is the memoir of Mike Burg, a Clarence Darrow Award-winning trial lawyer and founding shareholder of the prominent firm Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine. Raised in tough Chicago neighborhoods where he faced bullying as a Jewish kid, Burg developed an early fighting spirit and deep empathy for the underdog that later defined his legal career. Starting from humble beginnings—including struggling with the bar exam and working as a solo practitioner—he built a highly successful practice focused on consumer rights, catastrophic personal injury, and mass tort litigation against powerful corporations.
The book recounts some of his most high-stakes and impactful cases with a mix of courtroom drama, theatrics, and personal determination. These include battling a negligent gas company to secure settlements for victims while forcing major pipeline safety changes that saved thousands of lives; leading massive actions against pharmaceutical giants over dangerous drugs such as Fen-Phen, Yaz, Zyprexa, and Pradaxa on behalf of hundreds of injured people; taking on UBS Warburg in an eight-year fight over the sale of risky mortgages to investors; and filing suit against California wineries to stop the distribution of arsenic-contaminated wine. Burg also shares stories from representing colorful clients like the cast of The Little Rascals and NFL player Ralph Tamm in the first steroids case.
Beyond the legal battles, Burg weaves in colorful anecdotes from his larger-than-life experiences outside the courtroom, such as performing stand-up comedy with Roseanne Barr, golfing with Michael Jordan, attending President George W. Bush’s inauguration as a guest of George H.W. Bush, and rubbing shoulders with celebrities and athletes. Written with co-author Josh Young, the narrative blends humor, eccentricity, inspiration, and a touch of craziness, portraying Burg’s relentless passion for justice, his journey to the top of the legal profession, and his commitment to holding corporate greed accountable while protecting ordinary people. Overall, it’s an engaging, fast-paced read that highlights both professional triumphs and personal adventures.