Talk about a small world. 
Two years ago Ziff Law Attorney Jim Reed and I spent several days shadowing Dorothy Clay Sims, an exceptionally bright and fiery attorney from Ocala, Florida. Dorothy and Jim had met through a national Medical Malpractice organization, and she generously invited both of us to come to Ocala, stay in her home, and shadow her to learn her very particular method of building lawsuits and cross examining doctors.
Today, I opened by copy of the Elmira Star Gazette and saw a picture of Attorney Sims seated right next to Casey Anthony at counsel’s table! Yes – that Casey Anthony. Turns out Attorney Sims joined the defense team last fall and is expected to use her skills in cross examining doctors to help poke holes in the prosecution’s case and support the theory that Caylee Anthony drowned in her grandparent’s swimming pool. Although Attorney Sims has not had a large role in terms of presenting the case, she has been photographed embracing Casey several times and cross examined Lee Anthony, Casey Anthony’s brother.
I can honestly say I have never met anyone quite like Dorothy Clay Sims. She has the energy of five people, and is seemingly always engaged in several different activities — all at the same exact time. When Jim and I were in her office she asked us to observe her take a doctor’s deposition by phone. Although I vowed not to give away her secrets to success, trust me when I say I have never seen anything like it. Her ability to find a way to get the information she needs when she needs it is unparalleled, and she puts the hammer to witnesses with just enough charisma to keep them talking.
Dorothy’s book, “Exposing Deceptive Defense Doctors” is a bible for a good deal of the plaintiff’s bar — and a must-read for anyone who handles medical malpractice cases. My copy rests within arms reach, and I find myself consulting with it more than I do with any other source. The trip was well worth the tiem and expense. There is simply no substitute for learning from the best.
My husband is a prosecutor at the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office. He has been following the Anthony trial very closely — and was floored when I told him we had stayed at Sims’ house. Looks like her star is truly rising. I am very excited to see what she can do for Casey Anthony. If I were the state’s attorney, I would take notice that Dorothy is on deck.
Thanks, Christina
_________________________________
Christina Bruner Sonsire, Esq.
NY & PA Injury & Malpractice Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, New York 14902-1338
csonsire@zifflaw.com
Office: 607.733.8866
Toll-Free: 800.ZIFFLAW (943.3529)
Web: zifflaw.com
Blog: NYInjuryLawBlog.com
