SWMW Law, one of the top plaintiffs law firms in the country focused on representing victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, is proud to announce Partner Sophie Zavaglia has been appointed to the Leadership Board of the American Lung Association (ALA) Missouri chapter.
“Becoming part of the American Lung Association’s Leadership Board feels deeply meaningful to me because I’ve seen up close how lung disease can steal so much from a person and their family,” Zavaglia said. “At SWMW Law, we work every day to hold companies accountable for exposing people to asbestos and other harmful substances, but there is still so much work to do to protect the most vulnerable. The American Lung Association is on the front lines, offering education that empowers, research that gives hope, and advocacy that drives change. I’m honored to help further their mission to create healthier, safer communities for all of us.”
Founded more than 120 years ago by a group of volunteers dedicated to ending the lung health threat at the time, tuberculosis, the ALA has since extended their mission to other respiratory diseases and includes lung health education, lung disease research, support, programs, services, and advocacy.
A longtime supporter of the ALA, Zavaglia first became involved with the organization nearly 5 years ago through SWMW Law’s participation in the ALA’s Fight for Air Climb event. Since then, she has led the firm’s involvement in the annual climb every year and has sat on the ALA’s Emerging Leaders Board where she joined other young professionals to help raise money for the ALA and further its mission.
“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the American Lung Association’s dedication up close, and it is nothing short of inspiring,” Zavaglia said. “They care deeply about protecting people’s health and advancing research. At our firm, we can fight legal battles, but we rely on partners like the ALA to fill in the gaps – to drive policy changes, educate families, and champion clean air initiatives. Their efforts make life better for so many, and that’s why supporting them is so important. Lung health and clean air are essentials we all depend on.”
Zavaglia joined SWMW Law in 2014, focusing her practice on helping individuals and families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Missouri Lawyers Weekly named her an Up & Coming Award winner, as well as a winner of the Legal Champion Award. Her advocacy for mesothelioma victims has also taken her to Jefferson City, where she connects with legislators and the judiciary to protect clients’ 7th Amendment rights. Locally, she has been involved with the St. Louis Demolition Task Force, a group working to change St. Louis’s rules and regulations when it comes to demolishing older buildings to strengthen asbestos abatement policies and further protect residents from exposure. Considered an authority in her field, she’s penned several articles for national legal publications and has been asked to speak at several conferences across the country regarding a number of complicated topics.
To learn more about the ALA, its mission, and its work to protect lung health, visit their website here.
