Julie Burwinkel Palermo concentrates her practice on toxic tort, environmental, and other litigation matters. She serves as coordinating counsel for the former Penn Central Corporation, defending the company against occupational exposure and repetitive stress cases brought under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (“FELA”). In this capacity, Julie works with a team of attorneys and paralegals, managing more than a hundred active cases on a monthly basis. She handles all aspects of the litigation including research, drafting motions, coordinating and preparing experts, and studying medical records. She also advises clients on business startups, including tax-exempt organizations.

Prior to joining Blank Rome, Julie served as executive director of The Justice Institute for the Legal Profession, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide educational programs on the humanities for lawyers, law professors, and judges.

Julie also served in the Office of Presidential Personnel in the White House from 1994 through 1995, and then in the U.S. Small Business Administration from 1995 through 1997.

Outside the Firm

Active in her sons’ schools and causes, as well as the broader community, Julie is a volunteer with Lighthouse Youth Services, preparing meals for youth homeless shelters. She is active with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, having served as a new parent mentor and education advocate. She has also served as a court appointed special advocate (“CASA”) with ProKids.

When she is not working with her BR team, she enjoys cooking with her husband, hiking, kayaking, and attempting to beat her sons in pickleball.