Where I'm From
I was born on October 17, 1955 in San Francisco, California and have one brother.  My father was killed when I was 6 months old, serving as a fireman in San Francisco, the result of a negligent auto driver.  My mother remarried when I was 5 years old, and welcomed my half brother in to our new family.  Unfortunately my step father died at the hands of a gunman at his place of business.  My mother raised both of us by herself and with great strength.  

Education
I attended California State University Long Beach, and graduated with a degree in marketing in 1982.  Despite being told that I could not afford law school, and that I did not have influential contacts that could recommend me to law school, I was admitted to Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles where I graduated in 1985 with top honors.  I paid for my law school by working at the same time as I attended. 

Admission to practice

Admitted to practice in California, 1985.
Admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 1990.

Professional & Bar Association Memberships

Orange County Bar Association

American Bar Association

State Bar of California

Consumer Attorneys Association of California

Orange County Trial Lawyers Association

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Professional Life
In 1985, I was hired by a prominent insurance company defense firm to represent insurance companies and their insured clients.  I learned first hand, the tactics adopted by insurance companies to persuade injured victims to settle their claims for less than full value.  I could not in good conscious continue that avenue of representation, but I also found that many plaintiff lawyers were not much better. 

It was at that moment that I met the founder of the firm where I presently sit as president.  Robert Allen asked me to come to work for him for 1 year, and if I was not persuaded that we were doing good work, much needed work for injured victims, he would assist me in the pursuit of additional opportunities in law.  I never left the firm, because I learned first hand over the years, the excellent service and work we have done for clients.  I have been involved in many, many cases where the outcome was directly attributable to the excellent dedication and tenacity of the firm, Robert Allen, John Flatt, Suzanne Leslie and me.  I am proud of the firm and our accomplishments.

I obtained an advanced advocacy certificate from Hastings College of Law in 1991 and became a litigator for the firm.  After many trials and successful settlements, I became the senior litigation attorney, and eventually took over the presidency of the firm in 2004.

We offer a high level of service to all our clients, one that I am proud to associate myself with.  We strive in every case to help our clients "Soar Above," not just survive an accident, using our skills and experience developed over 30 years.   

Authorship
I have authored hundreds of articles on personal injury claims in many publications, including the Orange County Register, the Los Angeles Times, and California Lawyer, addressing the rights of injured victims, lawsuits and outcomes.  I regularly add to the Law Firm blog on an array of subjects addressing your rights, and how to protect them. 

In 2009 I wrote the book "Avoid Lawyer Advertising Hype.  A Lawyer's Method for Finding An Attorney."  I wrote this book to aid others who are looking for an attorney in any field.  People need a competent attorney, and don't know how to find one.  Frequently, they rely on advertising that is nothing more than puffery and double talk.  I provide insight into the way I look for an attorney if I was assisting a client, or if I needed personal attorney services.  The book is available on Amazon for $19.95, and I offer the book for free to anyone who has been injured in an accident and resides in California.

Personal Life
I love to snow ski, water ski, and hike and spend time with my wife and daughter as she grows up. I am a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and also enjoy diving and cycling.