It’s 2005. My then-boss and I had arrived at a difference of opinion about our relative importance at the Firm he had founded. Now in his position, I can more clearly understand his point of view. But the place just wasn’t big enough for the two of us. I had planned on starting my own firm for...
On August 28, 2009, CHP Officer Mark Saylor was driving his family east on Highway 125 near Santee, California. His wife Cleofe was in the vehicle and so was their daughter Mahala, then 13 years old. Chris Lastrella, Cleofe’s brother was also riding along. Mark was driving a loaner Lexus vehicle from Bob Baker...
Trial work can be very tough on the trial lawyer. As I mentioned in a recent blog about trying my 50th case to jury, trials can punish you both physically emotionally. Both before and after the 8 hours spent in court comes preparation for the next day. It is not uncommon for me to log 16 hour work days...
I traveled to Las Vegas last week for a work conference. On the way out of town, I was amazed by the number of billboards advertising personal injury lawyers. It was literally billboard after billboard after billboard. Here in San Diego, we don’t have quite as many billboards. I do, however, see lots of television ads with catchy phone...
Both scripture and the law hold a special place for the most vulnerable among us. Matthew 25:40, reads, “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” The law which we...
Lots of times when we meet new clients they want to know who decides when to settle and when to go to trial. I tell them, “You do.” They sometimes seem surprised by that response but it’s true. Our job is to maximize the value of their case – either for settlement or trial, and to provide our advice...
It’s now week 2 of mandatory shelter-in-place restrictions in California. My employees have been working remotely, and my kids can’t go to school. They also don’t get to go to soccer practice, train gymnastics or ride horses. I don’t get to go to the gym, do yoga or train jiu-jitsu. ...
Our law firm is unique in many ways. One thing that distinguishes us is that we have relatively “younger” lawyers given the cases and success we have had. At 54, I am the oldest by far. Most of the rest of us, including partners, are under 40. Most of them have worked...
I wonder if America has ever been so divided. It seems like we argue and fight and disagree over virtually everything these days. We all seem to either hate or love our President. And we hate each other if we disagree. We seem to either think that racism is systemic or a convenient excuse. And hate those...
