Brockovich, Erin (1960–)

When erin elizabeth pattee was growing up in Kansas, she seemed an unlikely prospect for becoming a high-profile advocate for victims of industrial poisoning. She suffered from a learning disability, panic attacks, anorexia, and low selfesteem. Nevertheless, she developed the strong sense of right and wrong that gave her the motivation to become the voice for silenced and exploited victims. In 1991, as a broke, divorced parent recovering from an automobile accident, Brockovich became a receptionist in the law office of Masry and Vititoe in Westlake Village, CA.

By chance, she was asked to open a file on a pro bono real estate case involving Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). Brockovich noticed that the file contained the result of blood tests performed on residents of Hinkley, ...