By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter
N. John Bey, founder of Bey and Associates, a nationally recognized plaintiff law firm with an office in Florence, views law as something that applies to everyone, the rich and poor, the highly respected business leader to the child care worker.
Bey officially became president of the American Association for Justice, an organization that promotes justice and fairness for people who are injured, as well as looking out for the rights of victims. The organization also strengthens the civil justice system through education, as well as through disclosing information which is critical to public health and safety.
Bey is only the third black president in the AAJ’s 80 years, a tribute to his reputation as a force for good and a force for justice for all.
Practicing for 18 years, Bey came originally from the Dayton, Ohio area. As an undergrad at the University of Cincinnati, he earned a scholarship to the University of Alabama law school, where he met his wife. The couple now has three children.
Bey views the Greater Cincinnati area as home. He does personal injury, defective drug and product cases, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, wrongful death, and premises liability cases. His offices have 16 lawyers across the nation who are encouraged to fight for justice for people who need to have their voices heard.
“It is David and Goliath, all day, every day,” Bey said.
It’s a fight that never ends.
Bey remembers a case in Fulton County, where a father, who had just dropped off his son, stopped at a gas station in an area known for its high crime, and was killed. The company did not want to take responsibility for their security, and Bey listened to the family, who wanted their voice heard, even more than the $52 million that they were awarded. They couldn’t bring their husband/father back, but getting justice was the verdict they wanted.
“People come to us when they are having their worst day, and we are able to really make an impact there,” Bey said. “I couldn’t do any other law, because I am too invested in my client’s story, and in bringing a bit of light to that darkness that they’re all going through.”
There are so many cases of injustice every day, and not only was accepting the position of President of the American Association of Justice a feather in his cap, but Bey looks at each achievement as being another step to widening his influence to get help for the people who want and need justice and don’t know where to turn.
The American Association for Justice is the world’s largest trial lawyer organization, which advocates for consumer rights. Their singular focus is protecting people’s right to trial by jury.
His law office in Florence is 7310 Turfway Road. The website is BeyandAssociates.com. The company also has offices in Cincinnati, New Orleans, Macon, Ga., and Atlanta.
“We are intentional about the cases we accept because every client deserves our full attention, not a place in a high volume system,” Bey said. “When we commit to a case, we commit the experience, resources, and preparation necessary to pursue the strongest possible outcome.”
Bey explained that every case begins with careful investigation and a very thoughtful strategy.
“Our approach doesn’t change based on whether a case settles or proceeds to trial,” he stated. “From day one, we prepare with the expectation that every detail may one day be examined in a courtroom.”