About Stephanie Black
Stephanie A. Black is a trial attorney at Gray Ritter Graham, where she focuses her practice on representing individuals injured in catastrophic injuries, including FELA and rail-related cases. Known for her ability to turn challenging cases into successful outcomes, Stephanie brings both strategic insight and a deep commitment to every client she represents.
With family ties to the railroad industry and inspired by her father’s hard work as a union officer and maintenance worker at a factory in Highland, IL, Stephanie developed an early passion for justice. This foundation fueled her drive to excel academically and professionally. She graduated summa cum laude from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO, in 2008, where she was honored as a finalist for Woman of the Year. Stephanie went on to earn her law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law, where she served as President of the Trial Team and was recognized with the Best Advocate Award at a trial competition in Chicago.
Stephanie launched her legal career as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Madison County, IL, where she prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases and earned recognition as “Rookie of the Year” in 2012. Stephanie later honed her skills at prominent defense and plaintiffs’ firms before dedicating her practice to representing plaintiffs in railroad-related and catastrophic injury cases.
Before joining GRG, Stephanie was instrumental in securing substantial victories for clients in complex FELA cases. In June 2023, she was part of the trial team that achieved an $18.75 million verdict in Carroll County, IL, for a railroad switchman who suffered a leg amputation due to unsafe work practices. Just months earlier, in October 2022, Stephanie served as second chair at trial in Cook County, IL, helping secure an $864,500 verdict for a locomotive engineer injured at a hazardous crew change point. Additionally, she was an integral member of the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee in the litigation following the June 2022 Amtrak passenger train collision at a grade crossing in Mendon, MO, which resulted in 150 injuries and four fatalities.
Stephanie’s work in these cases reflects her tenacity, sharp judgment, and tireless advocacy for her clients. Known for her thorough approach, she leaves no stone unturned. Driven by a passion for fighting for the underdog, Stephanie takes pride in leveling the playing field, bringing determination and heart to every case she takes on.
Notable Results
Representative Matters
$18.75 Million Verdict – Carroll County, IL, June 2023: As part of a trial team led by a partner at her former firm, Stephanie helped achieve this $18.75 million verdict (reduced from $25 million) for a railroad worker who suffered a below-the-knee amputation due to unsafe practices. This case exposed the dangers of a previously banned policy requiring workers to board moving trains, which was reintroduced to speed production. The verdict, upheld despite the railroad’s post-trial motions, held the company accountable for the catastrophic impact of this hazardous practice.
$864,500 Verdict – Cook County, IL, October 2022: Stephanie served as second chair at trial, playing a key role in securing a $864,500 verdict (reduced from $1.33 million) for a railroad employee injured at hazardous crew change point near Chicago. This result underscored the dangers of unsafe working conditions and ranks among the largest verdicts for an in-service FELA case.