What do you love about the law?
It's never dull. Everyone's case is personal and different. You have to tailor each case to the facts and the personal lives of the people involved. The defense bar is really good in this community. That makes every case a challenge. You cannot use a cookie cutter approach to present a case.
What's been your most rewarding case?
We've represented a great many people that we think the world of, but there was one case that was particularly rewarding. We represented the family of a young man killed in an industrial accident. It was a truly wonderful family and it was a tragic loss. His widow was left with three young children that she was going to have to raise and everyone was horribly grief stricken. On top of that, the defendant spread rumors that the victim had committed suicide, which only added to the pain. After a hard fought trial we were able to see that the family would never want for money and the children would all received a good education.
Why would you recommend this firm to anyone?
There are several reasons. First, we limit the kinds of cases we accept. In this complicated world you cannot be an expert on everything. We have chosen to represent injured individuals and we stay as current as we can on the law, the medicine and the various tools and techniques available to succeed. We also limit the number of cases we take so that each clients case gets the attention it needs. Second, while we maintain a professional relationship with our clients, we like them and are concerned with what is going to happen to them. Lawyers who represent insurance companies don't need to worry about what will happen to their clients if they are unsuccessful in a trial. We are always aware of how necessary the compensation we're seeking is to the people who rely on us.
What's the most important thing to consider when you're looking for an attorney?
First, you must trust that your lawyer has your best interests at heart. The process is difficult but it's all about the client's needs. Second, he must have the proven ability to do the job. All the good intentions in the world won't overcome quality defense attorneys unless your lawyer also has a track record of success and the ability to do his job.
Favorite pastime:
I have a number of activities that I like. I love to bass fish and to play golf. I do neither very well but that doesn't detract from the fun. Mainly though, I have a very active family with lots of interest and we are all a part of those activities from sports to homework. I've got a really great family and many good friends.
What traits do you most admire in others?
The people I most admire have a number of qualities in common. They are devoted to their responsibilities, be it family and friends, their work responsibilities or their community. The people I admire have a sense of humor because without humor life is a burden. And those people I truly admire are not shallow. They think of others as well as themselves and they have the priorities of life properly in order.
Who are your personal heroes?
My biggest hero is my wife. She is tireless and the best mother my children could hope for and she's a great friend. My parents because of their devotion to their children and the sacrifices they made on a daily basis. There is also a judge that I worked for and a lawyer that schooled me in the honor of the profession.
What is your most treasured possession?
I think any person's most treasured possession is his reputation as an individual of honor and integrity.
