Zachary A. Zawrotny
Philadelphia
Summary
Trial-focused litigator with extensive first-chair jury trial experience in high-stakes criminal and civil cases. Proven courtroom advocate with a record of trying cases to verdict, examining lay and expert witnesses, arguing dispositive motions, and leading trial teams under pressure. Background spans plaintiff-side civil litigation and federal criminal defense, with a rare volume of trials early in career.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Plaintiff Trial Attorney
Messa & Associates
Philadelphia
09.2024 - Current
- Plaintiff-side trial attorney handling medical malpractice, premises liability, automobile negligence, and wrongful death matters.
- Achieved six- and seven-figure settlements on behalf of catastrophically injured clients and families while independently managing an active caseload of approximately 50 matters.
- Develop and execute trial strategy from intake through verdict, including liability and damages themes.
- Conduct depositions of party defendants, corporate representatives, treating physicians, and retained medical and liability experts.
- Draft and argue dispositive motions, motions in limine, and other evidentiary challenges.
- Prepare and examine witnesses at trial; serve as first-chair and second-chair counsel in jury trials.
- Lead jury selection strategy, opening statements, and closing arguments in coordination with trial team.
- Work closely with clients and families throughout litigation with emphasis on trial readiness.
Captain & Judge Advocate (Trial Counsel / Defense Counsel)
United States Marine Corps
08.2020 - 06.2024
- Served as one of the Marine Corps’ primary trial attorneys for serious felony-level prosecutions and defenses.
- Tried 7 federal criminal trials to verdict, including 5 felonies and 3 jury trials, involving homicide, sexual assault, and major larceny.
- Acted as first-chair trial counsel in contested jury trials, responsible for openings, closings, and witness examinations.
- Represented approximately 100 Marines and Sailors in courts-martial and administrative proceedings.
- Managed an independent caseload of 10–20 active cases simultaneously.
- Advised over 1,000 Marines and Sailors on criminal, administrative, and constitutional law issues.
- Led and mentored junior attorneys; routinely supervised second- and third-chair counsel during trial.
- Selected to travel to Okinawa, Japan as lead defense counsel in a sexual assault jury trial.
- Held an Active Secret Security Clearance.
Civil Defense Associate Attorney
Bardsley Benedict + Cholden LLP
09.2019 - 07.2020
- Litigated complex civil matters including wrongful death, liquor liability, and premises liability cases.
- Conducted depositions, argued motions, and prepared cases through arbitration and mediation.
- Gained early experience defending high-exposure cases through trial-ready posture.
Plaintiff Associate Attorney
Kimmel & Silverman, P.C.
10.2017 - 09.2019
- Represented hundreds of plaintiffs in jury trials, arbitrations, and contested evidentiary hearings.
- Served almost exclusively as first-chair counsel in jury trials.
- Took and defended 200+ depositions.
- Tried cases to verdict and achieved favorable settlements under fee-shifting statutes.
- Litigated against expert witnesses under Daubert and Frye standards.
- Conducted mediations and arbitrations against national corporate defendants.
Education
LL.M. - Trial Advocacy (Candidate)
Temple University, Beasley School of Law
Philadelphia, PA05.2026
Juris Doctor - Accelerated Program
Drexel University, Thomas R. Kline School of Law
Philadelphia, PA05-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
George Washington University
Washington, DC05-2015
Bar Admissions
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- West Virginia
Military Awards And Decorations
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Marine Unit Commendation Ribbon
- National Defense Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Expert Rifleman Badge
- Expert Pistol Badge
Timeline
Plaintiff Trial Attorney
Messa & Associates
09.2024 - Current
Captain & Judge Advocate (Trial Counsel / Defense Counsel)
United States Marine Corps
08.2020 - 06.2024
Civil Defense Associate Attorney
Bardsley Benedict + Cholden LLP
09.2019 - 07.2020
Plaintiff Associate Attorney
Kimmel & Silverman, P.C.
10.2017 - 09.2019
LL.M. - Trial Advocacy (Candidate)
Temple University, Beasley School of Law
Juris Doctor - Accelerated Program
Drexel University, Thomas R. Kline School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
George Washington University