The Philadelphia legal landscape witnessed a transformation when Tom Kline and Shanin Specter established their practice in 1995. Their firm’s financial trajectory demonstrates how strategic litigation choices can generate substantial wealth accumulation patterns.

Verdicts exceeding billions reflect more than courtroom success – they represent decades of careful case selection and expertise development. The attorneys’ net worth remains undisclosed, yet their considerable charitable contributions and revenue streams suggest fortunes built through meritorious legal victories.

Biography Summary

Attribute	Details
Firm Name	Kline & Specter, PC
Founded	1995 by Tom Kline and Shanin Specter
Headquarters	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Specialization	Catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, product liability, mass torts
Attorneys	50+ lawyers, including 5 with medical degrees
Major Verdicts	$8B vs. Johnson & Johnson (2019 Risperdal), $2.25B vs. Monsanto (2024 Roundup)
Tom Kline	Renowned trial lawyer, philanthropist, donated $50M to Drexel Law
Shanin Specter	Top trial lawyer & educator, 200+ verdicts/settlements over $1M
Reputation	One of the most powerful personal injury law firms in the U.S.

Who is Kline?

Tom Kline started his distinguished practice in 1995, opening a modest office on the top floor of a Philadelphia building with one associate attorney and four staffers. His early career began back in the 1980s, before litigating pharmaceutical products liability cases where he won major victories involving arthritis drug Oraflex manufactured by Eli Lilly.

Today, this preeminent law firm concentrating on catastrophic injury malpractice litigation has achieved some of the nation’s largest verdicts. The firm has been cited as one of the country’s leading injury firms by the Inquirer and called the most powerful plaintiffs law firm in the city by Business Journal.

• Full Name: Thomas R. Kline
• Born: 1947
• Birthplace: Hazleton, Pennsylvania, USA
• Profession: Personal injury and medical malpractice attorney; co-founder of Kline & Specter law firm
• Father: Fred R. Kline (1939–2021), an art historian, writer, poet, sculptor, and private art dealer in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
• Mother: Not publicly disclosed.
• Siblings: Not publicly disclosed.
• Spouse: Paula Kline
• Children: Two children, Hilary (20 years old) and Zachary (15 years old)

Who is Specter?

Shanin Specter co-founded the firm alongside Kline, establishing what would become a powerhouse law practice specializing in medical malpractice and mass tort litigation. Specter has been selected among Best Attorneys and Super Lawyers for 16 straight years, demonstrating consistent excellence in trial advocacy.

Both Kline and Specter are recipients of the Michael A. Musmanno Award, the highest honor conferred by the Trial Lawyers Association. They were elected as members of the Inner Circle of Advocates, a select group of 100 of the nation’s most celebrated trial lawyers.

• Full Name: Shanin Specter
• Birth Year: Not publicly disclosed
• Profession: Trial lawyer, co-founder of Kline & Specter
• Father: The late U.S. Senator Arlen Specter
• Mother: The late Joan L. Specter, a former Philadelphia City Council member
• Siblings: One brother, Steve Specter, a psychiatrist in California
• Spouse: Tracey Specter, a former varsity squash player at the University of Pennsylvania
• Children: Four daughters—Silvi, Perri, Lilli, and Hatti

Kline and Specter Relationship with Each Other

The partnership between Kline and Specter represents a formidable alliance that has transformed personal injury law in Pennsylvania. Their collaborative approach combines Kline’s strategic litigation expertise with Specter’s medical knowledge, creating unparalleled expertise in complex malpractice cases. This dynamic partnership has resulted in billions in verdicts and settlements.

Kline & Specter’s Growth and Major Verdicts

• They employ more than 40 lawyers and five doctors, the most of any firm in the US
• Their firm, PC, now takes up 12 floors of the building at 1525 Locust St., where they first opened.
• In 2019, their collaboration led to the historic 8 billion verdict against Johnson.
• One of the biggest verdicts in American history was rendered in this case involving the anti-psychotic medication Risperdal.

Firm Overview & Establishment

This Legal powerhouse emerged from humble beginnings when two Rising Stars decided to challenge conventional Product Liability approaches. Their partnership began with trying complex cases that other attorneys avoided, particularly against corporations like A.H Robins Co. The New York Times has referred to them as pioneers who transformed how Mass Torts litigation operates. Both founders make substantial donation commitments to institutions like Drexel University School of Law.

By upholding stringent case selection standards, the firm has established an impressive reputation and was recognized with Lifetime Achievement recognition. Its reputation in the legal industry was further cemented in 2018 when it was recognized as one of 20 exceptional practices with the Department of the Year Award from Legal Intelligence. The firm invests in thoughtful gift initiatives in addition to traditional representation, such as a \$7.5 million donation to Duquesne for the Thomas R. Center for Judicial Education. With a current valuation of \$50 million, the business is still growing in several jurisdictions.

• Founded ~1993 and based in Philadelphia.
• Specializes in product liability, mass torts, medical malpractice.
• In 2018 awarded Products Liability/Mass Torts Department of the Year by The Legal Intelligencer.
• Tom Kline gave $50 million to Drexel University Law School.
• Estimated revenue ~$10M-$50M or possibly ~$72M.

Major Verdicts & Settelments

Monetary awards have prompted unprecedented safety changes across multiple industries, forcing government action on defective products. Their representation in the Penn State child sexual abuse case fundamentally helped affect changes in university policies and practices. The Gillyard Rich civil rights case got the Police Department to establish new guidelines requiring safer operation of squad cars. These efforts helped enact the Timothy J Piazza Act, aimed at deterring hazing on college campuses.

Product recalls and changes in hospital protocols resulted from their aggressive litigation strategies targeting corporate negligence. The Hall case prompted SEPTA to upgrade all escalators to include essential safety devices. New rules for citizen protection emerged after they successfully challenged systemic failures. Industry standards shifted dramatically when their cases spurred comprehensive regulatory reforms affecting millions of consumers nationwide.

Awards & Recognition

Throughout their distinguished career, the firm has garnered multiple prestigious awards for their relentless pursuit of justice. Their cases consistently demonstrate exceptional legal prowess, earning them recognition from professional organizations nationwide.

The largest settlements in history showcase their ability to secure million-dollar resolutions for clients. Their award-winning approach to complex litigation has established them as industry leaders in securing compensatory damage for victims.

• Best Lawyers named Thomas R. Kline the 2010 Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year.
• In 2016, the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association presented the Michael A. Musmanno Award to the recipient
• For many years in a row, Super Lawyers ranked me as Pennsylvania’s top lawyer.
• The Legal Intelligencer named the law firm Kline & Specter a finalist for Law Firm of the Year 2024.

Net Worth & Financial Information

Year	Estimated Net Worth	Source of Wealth	Key Notes
2023	$750 Million	Legal Practice	Among the wealthiest law firms in the U.S.
2024	$800 Million	Settlements & Verdicts	Known for record-breaking jury verdicts
2025	$850 Million (est.)	High-Profile Cases	Continued growth from major legal wins

The firm’s financial success stems from their contingent fee structure, which ensures they only get paid when clients receive compensation. This approach has generated substantial revenue through settlements excess of 100 million across various practice areas.

Their total accumulated wealth reflects decades of securing largest-ever verdicts, including Delaware-record hospital cases and multiple million-dollar resolutions. The firm’s percentage of amount recovered demonstrates their commitment to client success over traditional billing methods.

Charitable Contributions

Beyond their legal practice, the partners actively support community initiatives through charitable giving and social impact programs. Their offices serve as hubs for local outreach, particularly in New Jersey and Delaware communities.

The company supports causes pertaining to victim advocacy and safety enhancements because they believe in giving back to the communities in which they operate. Their charitable endeavors transcend conventional legal limits. Access to healthcare and education about injury prevention are key areas of focus.

• $50 million was donated to Drexel University Law School, which was renamed the Thomas R. Kline School of Law.
• Contributed $7.5 million to the Thomas R. Kline Center for Judicial Education at Duquesne University.

Early Career History

The firm’s foundation began with ambitious attorneys who recognized the need for aggressive personal injury representation in the region. Each founding partner brought unique expertise in handling complex cases involving medical negligence and corporate liability.

Their early career focused on establishing 3 core practice areas that would define their future success. The partners developed relationships with local courts around the country, building expertise in federal programs and regulatory compliance.

Safety Improvements & Social Impact

The firm’s litigation efforts have driven significant safety improvements across multiple industries, particularly in medical device manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies. Their cases against Ford Motor Co regarding defective parking brake systems led to nationwide recalls.

Power company litigation following fatal fallen wire incidents resulted in enhanced electrical safety protocols. Their Vioxx settlement and Dalkon Shield cases forced manufacturers to implement stricter medical device testing procedures, protecting future patients from harm.

Medical Expertise

The firm’s medical expertise encompasses complex hospital negligence cases and pharmaceutical litigation requiring deep understanding of health care protocols. Their attorneys collaborate with medical professionals to build compelling cases in transvaginal mesh and Bendectin litigation.

Pool accident cases involving brain damaged victims require sophisticated medical knowledge to secure appropriate compensation. The firm’s expertise in Amtrak derailment cases demonstrates their ability to handle mass casualty events with complex medical considerations.

Practice Areas & Geographic Coverage

Kline and Specter maintains unsurpassed litigation expertise across multiple jurisdictions, with whom clients trust for complex cases. The firm’s highly skilled attorneys represent victim families throughout America, leveraging decades of courtroom experience.

Geographic reach extends beyond traditional boundaries, ensuring comprehensive legal representation for catastrophic injury cases. Strategic partnerships with doctors enhance case preparation, providing medical insights that strengthen client positions significantly.

Fee Structure

Contingency arrangements ensure also accessible justice for injured clients, requiring no upfront costs whatsoever. The firm’s innovative approach has evolved beyond standard models, offering personalized payment structures based on case complexity.

Risk assessment determines appropriate fee percentages, protecting clients from unexpected financial burdens during litigation processes. Transparent communication about costs builds trust, while winner-takes-all philosophy aligns attorney interests with optimal client outcomes consistently

• They operate on a contingent fee basis, meaning they are only paid when a client receives payment.
• The firm only charges expenses if the client wins.
• They also provide prospective customers with free case evaluations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much do Kline and Specter lawyers make?

Kline & Specter lawyers are among the highest-paid trial attorneys in the U.S., with average annual earnings often exceeding six to seven figures, depending on seniority and case success.

Who is Kline of Kline and Specter?

Tom Kline is a renowned trial lawyer, co-founder of Kline & Specter, and one of the nation’s leading personal injury and catastrophic litigation attorneys.

How much did Tom Kline donate to Drexel?

In 2014, Tom Kline donated $50 million to Drexel University, leading to the renaming of its law school as the Thomas R. Kline School of Law.

How many attorneys work at Kline & Specter?

Kline & Specter employs about 40+ attorneys, including over 35 with medical degrees, making it one of the most specialized firms in medical malpractice litigation.

What is Shanin Specter’s background?

Shanin Specter is a top trial lawyer, educator, and co-founder of the firm. He also teaches at Penn Law and UC Berkeley Law, known for his expertise in high-stakes jury trials.

What are the famous cases of Tom Kline?

Tom Kline is known for cases like the 1999 Pier 34 collapse in Philadelphia, the Fen-Phen diet drug litigation, and multiple high-value product liability and medical malpractice verdicts.

Read More about Celebrities, Biography, Career, Lifestyle and Net Worth:
William Sonbuchner Net Worth: Powerful Success Journey
Ali Sheikhani Net Worth: Powerful Journey to Millions
Joey Stax Net Worth (Secret Matrix Money Truth)

Conclusion

The financial trajectory of Kline and Specter reflects decades of strategic litigation across multiple jurisdictions. Their practice handles complex cases in New Jersey and Delaware, while maintaining operations outside those states through local counsel relationships. Each state presents applicable regulatory challenges, yet their addition of specialized attorneys for litigating federal programs has proven lucrative.

Major settlements demonstrate their expertise in representing clients against large corporations. The firm secures substantial verdicts through meticulous preparation and aggressive advocacy. Their reputation for handling catastrophic injury cases attracts high-value clients seeking maximum compensation. Women affected by transvaginal mesh complications represent a significant portion of their caseload, generating consistent revenue streams through mass tort litigation.