Why did you decide to become an attorney?
My mother encouraged me to consider law school after I found out my eyesight wasn't as good as it needed to be in order to become an FBI agent (a dream of mine in college). Deciding to study law was a good choice for me and now I can appreciate the opportunity that I have to be self-employed, doing work that I enjoy, and making a difference in the lives of my clients. (Thanks Mom!).
What experiences (work and personal) help you to be a better attorney?
I had great attorney mentors both while I was at the Attorney General's office and in private practice and I certainly benefited from their valuable experience and expertise. I also think I've become a better lawyer since launching my own practice because my legal fees are directly related to whether or not I'm successful for my clients. My family relies on my income so I'm more motivated to be creative, informed, and personally involved in my clients' cases so that we can all be successful. My motivation to support my family also helps me understand the worries my clients have about supporting their own families.
What made you choose your primary area of law?
At the Attorney General's Office, I worked in the Workers' Compensation Section and was attracted to the idea of jury trials and court litigation. When I decided to launch my own practice, a focus on Workers' Compensation was the natural choice given my background and experience at the Attorney General's Office. The addition of probate and estate issues as well as Social Security Disability grew out of my representation of Injured Workers. These areas of law are often closely connected, and similar legal skills are needed in order to ensure that clients are treated fairly by what can sometimes be a difficult, bureaucratic system.
What makes your law firm unique?
My clients know that I'll handle all the legal details of their individual cases personally, from start to finish, all the way through any necessary appeals. Some firms assign multiple attorneys or paralegals to cases, and clients might arrive in court to find that a brand new attorney, unfamiliar with their case until that moment, is handling their matter for that day. In contrast, our firm is a family run business and my clients have my full attention all the way until their matter is resolved. My wife Janet helps me run the practice and I think our clients find us to be a comforting and reliable team.
Describe your ideal client.
My ideal client is someone who wants to participate in helping with their case. I may need them to follow up with their doctor to help get an answer, or to help track down some other important piece of information. I usually know what information is needed, but sometimes I need the client's help to obtain that information. Our best chance for success comes from working together as a team. My ideal clients understand that their participation matters and greatly improves the likelihood of winning their case. I enjoy representing individuals who wish to take an active role in achieving a fair and equitable resolution of their case.
Describe your personal interests and hobbies.
I have more interests and hobbies than I have time to enjoy, but my family tops the list. My wife and I have three daughters and right now I'm enjoying studying karate with the girls (trying to stay one step ahead of them!). I also enjoy camping and bicycling, reading books and watching movies, and just hanging-out with our bull-dogs (one French and one English).
Describe your charitable activities.
My family is active in our church, Riverside United Methodist. The YMCA is also important to us; my wife volunteers her time in the YMCA's daycare once a week. Personally, I contribute by being on a lawyer referral list for the Court of Claim's Victims of Crime cases, a need that is near and dear to my heart.
