I've always enjoyed what I do - I think it really just came naturally to me. In fact, I enjoy it today even more than when I started. That's partly because I can offer my clients more perspective and experience - but it's also because I'm now a partner of a firm that's truly supportive of what I do.

My career prior to law school helped to prepare me for what I'm doing now. I have a business background that many attorneys don't have. That has contributed to a results-oriented approach. I believe in helping my clients pick the right battles. I ask my clients what their long-term goals are - and we'll tailor our approach to those goals.

Very often the question that must be asked is, what's the financial cost as well as the emotional cost? People think they are well informed, but that can be dangerous. Some may initially insist on pursuing a trial, which can be very expensive, both financially and emotionally.

When I first meet with my clients, I spend time explaining the entire litigation process.

Settling means they decide their own destinies, and ultimately costs them a lot less than litigation. The system is built to encourage early settlement and mediation. I think that's very constructive for everyone involved.

However, there are those cases that just cannot settle or necessitate litigation, at least initially, in order to posture the case for settlement.

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