Richard Scruggs

Richard Scruggs

Richard Scruggs

Richard "Dickie" Scruggs is an American former attorney known for his involvement in high-profile legal cases. Born on May 17, 1946, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, Scruggs gained prominence for his work in tobacco litigation and asbestos litigation.

Scruggs attended the University of Mississippi and later earned his law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law. He began his legal career as a successful trial lawyer, specializing in representing plaintiffs in cases against large corporations.

One of Scruggs' most notable cases was his role in the landmark tobacco settlement in the 1990s. He played a key part in negotiating a multi-billion dollar settlement between major tobacco companies and state governments to compensate for the health care costs associated with smoking.

In addition to his work in tobacco litigation, Scruggs was also involved in asbestos cases, representing individuals who had been exposed to asbestos and suffered health consequences as a result. His efforts in these cases helped bring attention to the dangers of asbestos exposure and led to compensation for affected individuals.

Despite his success in the legal field, Scruggs' career took a controversial turn when he became embroiled in a judicial bribery scandal in the mid-2000s. He was ultimately convicted of conspiracy to bribe a judge and sentenced to prison.

Following his release from prison, Scruggs has largely stayed out of the public eye. His legal career, once marked by high-profile victories, is now overshadowed by the scandal that brought about his downfall.