Mentor: an experienced and trusted adviser
I have now been practicing law for almost 25 years. During that time, I have worked in a big corporate defense firm, as a federal prosecutor, and now, as a plaintiffs trial attorney. During that time, a number of mentors have been there to help and encourage my growth, and so, I thought I...
This coming Friday, I will be receiving an “Outstanding Trial Lawyer” award from the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego. “CASD” is honoring me, along with Jessica Sizemore from our firm, for our work obtaining a $16.2 million “slip and fall” verdict for Bill and Elaine Kidd against El Pollo Loco. In that case, Bill slipped and fell in greasy...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
