My practice is located in downtown San Jose, CA and from there I provide consulting, civil litigation and trial services to clients in California and around the United States. In addition, I contribute my time, talent and energy to community needs and organizations both as pro bono legal service and as a citizen contribution to non-legal efforts.
My Practice:
I represent individuals and businesses in personal and commercial litigation and trial. I also handle contingent fee cases involving injury, wrongful death and professional negligence. My selection criteria is simple: I accept representations that interest me and which I think I can resolve according to the client’s needs.
When a team is necessary:
For the past several years I have worked closely with a litigation and trial firm here in San Jose. They are terrific lawyers with a well-deserved reputation for punching above their weight in civil litigation and trial. Their time, talent and staff are available to my clients when the need arises.
The Principles that inform my practice:
I have been exceedingly fortunate in my career. I have had the opportunity to practice with and learn from some very, very good lawyers—men and women who cherish the craft, put in the time and share what they learn with an abundant and enthusiastic spirit. Some valuable learning has occurred, learning that now shapes how I practice law:
1. Right size the problem. Too often, large problems are seen as small and small problems are cast as large ones. Becoming an expert lawyer (and an expert human being- pretty much the same endeavor!) depends upon one’s ability to “right-size” the people and circumstances that populate one’s environment. I work efficiently and thoughtfully to right-size both the problem and the solution(s) and this produces an economy of effort and of funding that saves my clients time and money.
2. Speed counts. My experience allows prompt action and avoids the sometimes paralyzing thirst for “more information” that often prevents lawyers from acting quickly to deploy solutions for the client.
3. Integrity counts. It counts to me and it counts to my clients because only a clear and unvarnished review of the legal and factual landscape allows both of us to right size the issues and accomplish the best outcome(s).
4. Fear is a poor organizing principle. Fear of dialogue and fear of conflict prevent many lawyers from achieving the best outcome for their clients. Effective lawyering means taking thoughtful positions and pressing them on behalf of the client. Fear of failure, fear of conflict, in short fear of any kind that interferes with this basic calculus hurts the client. I don’t make decisions based on fear.
5. Love lawyering. I love the court house, the challenges it presents and the humility it teaches. and I like the complicated deal and case. For years I have represented clients big and small in litigation, trial and out of court resolution. Lawyering is not just a vocation to me, it’s a passion and a love.