We’re proud to announce that Managing Partner Julia Damron has been named in Benchmark Litigation’s 2025 USA 40 & Under list, recognizing her position among the best and brightest legal talent nationwide.
Benchmark Litigation’s annual recognition identifies accomplished young lawyers who frequently handle major cases—including high-stakes and precedent-setting matters—and represent the top young talent in their respective practice areas across the US.
Julia’s inclusion reflects her exceptional work as co-counsel in the groundbreaking Alford et al v. The NFL Player Disability & Survivor Benefit Plan class action, where she helped craft the legal theories that contributed to the historic March 2024 ruling—the first case of its kind against the NFL Disability Plan to survive dismissal. Her litigation expertise spans complex benefits disputes and NFL Concussion Settlement matters, including recent victories securing a $4.168 million award for a client with Parkinson’s disease and successfully defending a $3.2 million award by synthesizing complex medical and legal issues.
As Managing Partner, Julia has been instrumental in Athlaw LLP’s strategic growth and its reputation as a powerhouse firm representing former NFL players in benefits litigation, helping establish important legal precedents that continue to shape this specialized practice area.