I am upholding standards of performance and excellence that came well before me. After all, there has been a member of the Gott family in the Wichita Bar Association since 1927. For me and my family, our work has always been about achieving justice, and securing results for our clients. I work to do that every day.

I tell any prospective client that this is all a process. It takes time. It also requires that we develop a strong working relationship, a friendship, based on trust and respect. You need to like me to have me represent you - after all, we'll work together on your case for months, even years. But whomever you ultimately retain, whether it is me or another attorney, you should be comfortable with them.

People will ask, What is my case worth? How much money can I expect? And some lawyers will start putting a price on a case at the first meeting. Frankly, it's not responsible for any lawyer to start guessing, based on a single conversation, what may result financially from a claim.

Since the 1980s there have been caps on awards related to any pain and suffering, due to tort reform. Attorneys in Kansas must be wiser, smarter, and more creative in securing reasonable settlements for their clients. And I think we are. Economic damages must be calculated in a way that truly reflects the loss - resulting from an accident or any other claim.

People who come to me have often sustained horrible injuries. They are unable to work, and their losses extend far beyond the simple paycheck.

The process of filing a claim and having it heard can take an excruciatingly long time. But we work hard to push the case of every client. At the same time, we want our clients to receive the full hearing their cases deserve, and reflect proper compensation. Perhaps you know the old slogan, "We'll sell no wine before its time." Well, we'll settle no case before we feel the compensation is appropriate and fair.

I come from a committed family. As a child I remember listening to my dad and granddad talk about the law, and the importance of what they did for the people they represent. I'm proud of that legacy.

Despite what some of the politicians say about it, I'm very proud of my profession. I'm proud too of being a member of the Wichita and Kansas Bar Associations and the Kansas Association of Justice. I'm helping people secure the compensation they deserve, and that's important and dignified work. I can't imagine doing anything else.