As a scientist, Mary E. Alexander worked in laboratories for seven years when she first moved to the Bay Area in 1975. These days, the courtroom is where the lawyer of 22 years puts her hypotheses to the test.

Alexander, who was just named president of Roscoe Pound Institute, a group promoting civil justice, has used her science background to take on some of the nation’s biggest pharmaceutical companies in an effort to protect consumers and workers from harmful toxins.

“I use my science every day — both in my personal injury cases and pharmaceutical cases,” Alexander said.

An Atherton resident who practices in San Francisco, Alexander served as the Pound Institute’s vice president for two years before being named president.