1. How do you define your legal practice and typical?
Broad scope of business and commercial litigation, including “soft” intellectual property, real estate, entertainment (film & TV) and commercial activities, mostly in California. Typical clients are mid-sized businesses and successful entrepreneurs.
2. Tell us about your legal career journey. What made you become a lawyer and how did you land at Practus?
I was a car crazy teenager and started drag (OK street) racing at 16 in my third year of high school. My plan was to become an automotive racing engineer, but I hit a speedbump known as higher math (trigonometry). Actually, it was a straight-up wall and law seemed interesting, so I switched course. My interest in law was based only on TV shows, that came nowhere close to reality. Luckily, law turned out to be a great career choice. I am now in my 51st year of practicing with no plans to retire.
So, do you still have a lead foot while driving?
Not that I will admit to! But if traffic is moving quickly, I stay up with it.
3. What about the Practus model serves you as a legal professional, and as a person?
The perfect blend of independence, while having a great group of partners and a superb administrative staff supporting us. The economic model has worked extremely well for me, and I appreciate the forward thinking of the firm’s management. It allows me to practice ethically and earn a comfortable living.
4. What is the one thing you wish people about to hire a lawyer with your expertise knew?
I wish they’d check a lawyer’s track record. Make sure there are successful accomplishments on behalf of their clients.
5. When you’re not working at Practus, what’s keeping you busy? Any cool hobbies or hidden talents we don’t know about?
These days it is primarily music. I have been playing trumpet since the 3rd grade and currently play with the Ventura County Concert Band and the Seniors of Note swing band, as well as specialty show bands. I have played eight times at Disney Hall with a Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra and with the Big Band of Barristers at the Great Hall at the Library of Congress. It’s the only band ever to perform at the Great Hall other than the President’s Own Marine Band.
6. What would your colleagues be totally shocked (or mildly surprised) to find out about you? Do you kill at karaoke? Write political thrillers? Watch Star Trek (original) reruns?
I used to race cars at over 200 miles per hour, and I was originally cast as part of the boys band in “The Music Man” film in 1962.
Bonus Question: What would you do if you weren’t an attorney?
Produce Broadway musicals or theatrical films.
So many questions. What part were you born to play on Broadway and musicals and does this mean you dance? Also, did you ever wake your kids up with your trumpet, playing Reveille or something?
I would want to play lead trumpet in the orchestra. As for dancing, at 6’3” and about 250 lbs., I save my “dancing” for my trial work! And no, I didn’t play Reveille.
