Trial law always suited me. It's exciting and competitive, and I've always learned something new every day. I'm a pretty optimistic guy and I don't believe in failure. Some people make trial work more complicated than it really is. First of all, credibility is crucial. Don't ever promise the jury something you can't deliver. Don't ask questions you don't know the answers to and know when not to ask a question. Defense lawyers are great, but I think more case are lost by plaintiffs' attorneys than won by defense lawyers. We're preparing scores of cases, but fewer than twenty percent will go to verdict each year. Generally, a team of associates and a partner work up the files, and we have a dozen lawyers, including myself, to try the cases. We have the resources to ensure consistently high standards which keeps a lot of cases from going to trial and helps us achieve excellent results, both by way of favorable settlements and verdicts. The system works fairly well, but unfortunately it is sometimes more about cost-effectiveness and expedience, not necessarily justice. I'm a registered Republican, but I really would call myself an independent. I support candidates from all parties but politics for me?, I don't know that I would find it enjoyable. My real focus is on our firm. There are five principal partners here, and we all genuinely like each other and our significant others. We have a culture of collegiality, and we care about our people. That's all contributed to our success. We're proud of the way we work - and all the people we work with.