Meet Jack G. Rutherford
Jack Rutherford’s legal career took root at Columbia Law School, where he graduated as a Harlan Fisk Stone Scholar and a recipient of the Sovern Scholarship in 2008. During his time at Columbia, he was deeply involved in advocacy, serving as President of Outlaws and working with the Environmental Law Clinic and the Human Rights Law Review. He also gained early professional insight while interning at the New York State Attorney General’s Office's Labor Bureau. Following graduation, Jack had the distinct honor of clerking for Justice Barbara J. Madsen, the former Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court, an experience that provided him with a high-level perspective on the judicial process.
In the years following his clerkship, Jack sharpened his litigation skills within the defense bar, learning the art of the trial from some of the most respected lawyers in the country. While he was part of teams that secured numerous defense verdicts, he eventually transitioned his practice to focus on holding powerful entities and individuals accountable. Over the past three years alone, he has successfully tried three criminal cases to acquittal and has dedicated himself to serving as counsel for men in parole and re-sentencing proceedings across Louisiana and California. This unique background allows him to approach every case with a deep understanding of opposing strategies, which he now uses to fight for those seeking justice.
A fearless advocate for the underdog, Jack is notably recognized for leading the charge against Gilead Sciences, Inc., filing the first personal injury cases regarding HIV medication safety in May 2018. He continues to play a pivotal leadership role in that massive litigation, serving on the Plaintiff’s Steering and Executive Committees and co-chairing the Science Committee. When he is not in the courtroom or speaking at legal conferences, Jack enjoys the quiet company of his beloved pets, including his dog Willie and his four cats. An enthusiast of the outdoors and the cosmos, he often spends his free time hiking or practicing astronomy, bringing the same sense of wonder and dedication to his personal interests as he does to his legal practice.
