In Episode 44 of "Celebrating Justice", Alan Ripka — a seasoned New York trial lawyer whose career was shaped by personal tragedy — shares his remarkable journey. Growing up in Queens, Ripka was on track to become a doctor until his brother Robbie was killed in a ski accident just before graduating high school. The loss ignited a passion to advocate for others who couldn’t speak for themselves, leading him to law school and eventually the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, where he honed his skills in the courtroom.

Ripka recounts his early days as an ADA, including a first trial win that hinged on persuading a jury that a man’s beloved lion-head ring was essentially a weapon. From there, his reputation for identifying the precise issues at the heart of a case only grew.

In private practice since 1992, Ripka has represented clients in high-stakes injury and medical malpractice cases, from amputations to wrongful death. He recalls an elevator accident case that was halted mid–opening statement due to the COVID-19 courthouse shutdown — forcing a two-year wait before resolution. That patience, combined with deep empathy for his clients, is at the core of his approach: “You have to be them,” he says, “not you.”

Ripka also discusses his pioneering work under the 2019 Stayskal Act, which carved out a rare exception to the Feres doctrine, allowing active-duty military members to bring medical malpractice claims against the Department of Defense.

In his Closing Argument, Ripka delivers an unflinching message about what it truly means to be a trial lawyer: a relentless readiness to sacrifice personal time, shoulder immense responsibility, and remain laser-focused on giving clients “the best opportunity to present what happened to me” — no matter the cost.

Key Takeaways

• Personal tragedy can ignite a lifelong passion for justice.
• Early courtroom experience, especially in public service, builds unmatched trial skills.
• Conceding non-essential points can sharpen focus on winning issues.
• Empathy and client connection are essential to effective advocacy.
• The Stayskal Act opened unprecedented avenues for active-duty military malpractice claims.
• Total commitment — time, resources, and energy — is the hallmark of a true trial lawyer.

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