Our area of the law - we represent victims of negligence, malpractice and accidents - has its share of grand and memorable personalities. Part of that is the showmanship required in the courtroom, of course. But I think our firm is different - we have a proud history, and an exemplary record. Yet our firm has never been showy or self-aggrandizing. We just have excellent lawyers who deliver very good results.

Our founding partner, the late David Shrager, was a lawyer's lawyer - exacting, and with a first-rate intellect. For years he led a small team of lawyers against armies of lawyers opposing him in complex pharmaceutical-negligence claims. He was pioneering in that respect. And he won for his clients some of the largest damage awards in the history of pharmaceuticals litigation.

Our firm's culture today really has not changed. We prepare our cases with energy and thoroughness. We are always honest and straightforward with our clients. And we are careful about the cases that we select. When we select them, we bring all of our skills and resources.

In fact, we have always believed that the best way to ensure successful outcomes is to be very selective in the cases we take - we review every incoming potential case with extreme care. In trial law, case preparation is essential: When you are at the starting gate of a horse race, you must be ready for the sprint, for the bell. We're always ready for the gate to open, to be ready to race. And I think that separates us from most other law firms.

We have developed a strong focus representing claims against nursing homes - usually nursing homes that are understaffed simply because they want to improve their bottom line. The largest elastic expense for an institution is its labor costs, and we see time and again situations in which staffing cuts lead to mistakes and systemic negligence. It leads to bad care. The case law is evolving fast in this area. But in every case we are looking at the institution's methods and system of delivery.

I saw those problems when my family and I were overseeing my father's care. Ultimately we found an excellent, first-rate facility for him. But it took a while, and we went through some really bad experiences - we saw a facility go from good to bad with new ownership. My father died peacefully six years ago now, but it was an experience I will never forget. And almost every day I hear my clients describe similar experiences - I know first-hand what a family goes through with an elderly loved-one.

Increasingly today, many nursing homes try to force you to sign your rights away when you walk in the door, to give up your right to use the legal process and submit to arbitration. For us, it's a multi-front battle.

For me personally, it was a great decision to join David Shrager and Wayne Spivey. Representing victims of negligence is very rewarding for me - I know I'm making a difference for my clients. Early in my career I defended those same institutions we make claims against today, so I know the other side. Defense lawyers handle so many cases - sometimes hundreds - it's difficult for them to know their case, sometimes even basic details. Today we handle a small number of cases at a time - and knowing the details of the case is the basis for thoughtful preparation.

We have a great team of very good lawyers. We're committed to one another, and to our clients. I am proud of that.