Melvin Belli
2009 Inductee
The Belli Law Firm
(deceased)
“The King of Torts”
Melvin Belli, known as the King of Torts for his success in personal injury cases, was an instrumental figure in America in the 1900’s and is responsible for helping lay the foundation for modern consumer rights laws. His lawsuit against Coca-Cola helped establish the foundation that all products come with an “implied warranty” that a user will not be harmed when using the product (in this case, opening a Coke bottle) in the normal manner. Over the course of his career, he received verdicts and settlements totaling more than $600 million. He is also known for representing countless high-profile clients, including Zsa Zsa Gabor, Errol Flynn, Chuck Berry, Muhammad Ali, the Rolling Stones, and Jack Ruby – the assassin of Lee Harvey Oswald.