Page 17 - The American Lawyer Trailblazers - South 2022

Texas

Nicole M. Perry

Jones Day

What was the genesis of the idea/path that has made you a trailblazer?
Bringing together the private sector, civic organizations, and government leaders to combat human trafficking is
my passion. We were very concerned about an uptick in human trafficking activity in Houston in the wake of Hurri-
cane Harvey in 2016. I led a Jones Day team in updating the City of Houston’s handbook on post-incident response
and was inspired by the Houston Mayor’s Office’s devotion to eradicating human trafficking. I worked with the City
to sponsor and host four conferences in Houston that brought together municipal leaders in the U.S. and Europe to
better understand human trafficking issues. This gave me the opportunity to establish stronger relationships with
local and international non-profit organizations, including the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (“RAGAS”). I
have had the good fortune to coordinate and speak at numerous RAGAS conferences in Houston, including most
recently in June 2022 when our Houston office hosted the launch of the Global Compendium of Human Trafficking
Laws and celebrated the Rotary International’s annual conference that drew over 20,000 participants to Houston.
What sort of change has resulted from the concept?
These conferences have resulted in reduced exploitation through increased education and awareness on human
trafficking issues. They have also empowered anti-trafficking leaders at all levels and given them a platform to
elevate their voice and impact. This means human trafficking has been prevented among at-risk communities, and
victims have been given a second chance at living a life free of exploitation.
What bearing will this have on the future?
Our goal is always action. Each instance of bringing together human-trafficking thought leaders sparks new ideas
and opportunities for increased collaboration, awareness, and results. We strive to increase prevention of human
trafficking and decrease ongoing victimization.

Michelle Simpson Tuegel

The Simpson Tuegel Law Firm

What was the genesis of the idea/path that has made you a trailblazer?
I’ve always wanted to do work that I am passionate about – representing survivors of sexual abuse and sexual
assault, litigating on behalf of victims of severe or catastrophic injury, and advocating for women’s rights in and
out of the courtroom. Starting my firm has allowed me to focus on these areas and develop the expertise to help
them through what is often the worst moment in their lives. Connecting with my clients, whether it is through our
shared experiences as competitive athletes or simply as women, creates trust, fuels my fire, and pushes me to be
the best advocate for them.

What sort of change has resulted from the concept?
I’m extremely proud to have worked alongside clients to extend the statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse
claims and open the door for many survivors to seek justice. It’s also been inspiring to be part of the litigation
against Gov. Greg Abbott in my home state of Texas for the anti-abortion legislation that severely infringes on the
rights of survivors and their advocates.
I have long argued that sexual abuse cases are severely undervalued, and the recent record-breaking $44.6 million
verdict I secured on behalf of a rape survivor demonstrates that larger verdicts in cases of sexual assault are pos-
sible. I hope this encourages more attorneys to aim higher for survivors.

What bearing will this have on the future?
I am always looking for ways to raise the bar and think outside the box, particularly when it comes to damages. It is
my hope that through my work – alongside the brave men and women I’ve represented – that doors will continue
to be opened for survivors and they will receive the recognition and accountability they deserve.

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