Johnny Depp's lawyer, Camille Vasquez, has been promoted to partner at her firm after playing a key role in helping her famous client win his defamation case.
The 37-year-old attorney became one of several unexpected stars of the 58-year-old Pirates of the Caribbean star's trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, with the actor's fanbase sharing viral tweets and TikTok videos of her tough cross-examination style
Vasquez verbally sparred with the 36-year-old Aquaman star throughout the trial, questioning her about Heard's claims of domestic abuse in her 2018 Washington Post op-ed.
While Heard didn't specifically name Depp in the op-ed, the case drew to a close on June 1 after the jury was found in favor of Depp and agreed that Heard had defamed him. The Edwards Scissorhands star was awarded $10.4 million in damages.
Following the verdict, Vasquez spoke outside the Fairfax County courthouse in Virginia and said: "Today’s verdict confirms what we have said from the beginning – that the claims against Johnny Depp are defamatory and unsupported by any evidence."
Watch Vasquez speak after Depp win:She added: "We are grateful, so grateful to the jury for their careful deliberation."
Now, Vasquez has been recognized by her employers for her amazing work throughout the trial.
William Baldiga, the chairman and CEO of the Brown Rudnick LLP law firm, revealed that Vasquez has received a promotion for her efforts, writing in a press release: "We are delighted to welcome Camille to the partnership."
"Historically, we have reserved this announcement for the end of our fiscal year," Baldiga continued. "But Camille’s performance during the Johnny Depp trial proved to the world that she was ready to take this next step now. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to what she will accomplish as our newest partner."
Commenting on the good news in the press release, Vasquez said: "I am delighted that Brown Rudnick has given me its full vote of confidence by having me join the partnership.
"I’m proud of the uniquely talented team I’ve had the privilege to lead, which exemplified teamwork and collaboration, and I look forward to continuing to represent Brown Rudnick’s culture of excellence."
Vasquez graduated from Southwestern Law School in 2010 and the University of Southern California in 2006 magna cum laude and was appointed as a "One to Watch" by The Best Lawyers in America for 2021-2022.
She joined Brown Rudnick’s Orange County office in 2018 as an associate and specializes in litigation and arbitration. Her focus is on plaintiff-side defamation cases which is similar to the case Depp won against Heard.
Depp will return to court in July for being accused of assault by Gregg Brooks, a crew member on a movie set. Vasquez's firm will represent him once again.