Overview
Abby McClellan Paradise primarily advocates for people who have been harmed by dangerous products – particularly dangerous drugs or medical devices. Named a “Rising Star” by Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers, she focuses on large-scale cases that involve thousands of plaintiffs across the United States.
Among her current cases:
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Envision Litigation (MD TN)
Abby is currently advocating on behalf of healthcare workers who were not paid for all hours worked at Envision Healthcare. As a daughter and sister of medical professionals, Abby knows firsthand how hard medical professionals work and is proud to work on this case to help obtain the wages Plaintiffs deserve. -
Kimberly-Clark Litigation (ND TX)
Abby represents Plaintiffs in both class action and individual personal injury claims against Kimberly-Clark on behalf of consumers of the recalled Cottonelle flushable wipes. The recall involved a bacteria detected in the Cottonelle products leading to both economic losses and personal injury claims on behalf of consumers across the country and in Canada. Abby works with experts to help further understand the bacteria and injuries caused by the contamination and clients to investigate potential claims. -
3M Combat Earplugs Multidistrict Litigation (ND Fla.)
Abby was appointed by Judge M. Casey Rodgers to serve on the Early Vetting Committee where she helps further the litigation on behalf of all servicemembers in the litigation. When several clients were chosen to go through advanced discovery, Abby worked to obtain experts in the field of audiology and neurotology/otology. She served as the point of contact for these experts which entailed assisting with expert reports, facilitating meetings with clients, and preparing for and producing them for depositions. Abby also produced Plaintiffs and fact witness for depositions and took defense expert depositions. -
Taxotere Multidistrict Litigation (ED LA)
Abby was appointed by a federal judge to serve on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee of the Taxotere Products Liability Litigation, multidistrict litigation that consolidates lawsuits alleging that the breast cancer drug caused permanent hair loss. As a part of this committee, Abby helps oversee the complex management of the plaintiffs’ litigation, which involves breast cancer survivors from across the country.
Abby finds personal fulfillment from working for vulnerable individuals; her younger brother is autistic, and before attending law school, she was a special education teacher. During law school, Abby worked for the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Institute for Human Development, where she wrote grants to support people with developmental disabilities in the workplace. As an attorney, she is motivated to pursue accountability and answers for patients and their families.
As a teacher, Abby worked with students with behavior and developmental disabilities in kindergarten, first grade and second grade in Fort Madison, Iowa. Although she is no longer in the classroom, she applies this background in her legal practice; she takes pride in her ability to explain complex legal and medical subjects.
She serves as the Vice President on the Lawyers Encouraging Academic Performance (LEAP) Board which fundraises and provides volunteers for Operation Breakthrough, a facility which provides a safe educational environment for children in poverty. LEAP donates over $100,000 to Operation Breakthrough every year.
When Abby isn’t practicing law, she enjoys spending time with her husband Michael, daughter Elle, and mini-sheepadoodle Scottie.
News
Education
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
J.D., 2013
- Honors: Dean's List; CALI award for highest grade in Civil Procedure
Drury University
B.A., summa cum laude, 2008
Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, 2016
- Missouri, 2013
- U.S. District Court District of Kansas