Richard Scruggs

Richard Scruggs was a Mississippi plaintiff’s attorney who became a lead negotiator in the Medicaid tobacco cases. He helped bring Big Tobacco to the table by raising the stakes through state claims. His work joined legal strategy with public health goals, while also seeking a major settlement for clients involved.

Richard graduated from Ole’ Miss law school, where he earned his law degree. After starting as a lawyer, he built strong experience in large class action cases against the asbestos industry. That work gave him the legal background and trial knowledge he later used against the tobacco industry in Medicaid litigation.

Richard worked with Michael Moore after Moore suggested the Medicaid case strategy. Together, they helped gather the people, claims, and pressure needed to challenge Big Tobacco. He used lessons from asbestos cases to create risk for both sides, making a settlement more likely than a long court fight.

Richard also helped protect whistleblowers Jeff Wigand and Merrell Williams when others would not. Their information added force to the tobacco cases. He helped convince Bennett LeBow to break from the tobacco industry’s united front. He also brought trial attorney Ron Motley onto the team for trial readiness.

Richard worked as a contingency fee lawyer, so settlement was a key goal. He agreed to let a national panel of judges decide his fees, which reduced concern over lawyer payments. During negotiations, he argued for money while also supporting public health gains from the tobacco settlement effort.

Richard Scruggs helped turn state Medicaid claims into a national legal force against Big Tobacco. His asbestos experience, negotiation role, and work with key witnesses made him important to the deal. He remained focused on settlement, legal pressure, and health results that could affect people across the country.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Law Office of Richard Scruggs
• Member, Mississippi Bar

Licensed State

• Mississippi (Inactive)

Education

• Ole’ Miss law school
  Juris Doctor (JD)

Awards & Badges