My Why

What powers my practice

Because I always wanted to make a living in public speaking and admired the polished, articulate, confident lawyers I knew growing up, becoming a trial lawyer fit the person and professional I aspired to be. Even after 35 years in practice, I’m still learning—and my proudest moments are applying new legal principles to benefit our clients. As my practice has matured, I’ve served on community boards and supported causes I care about, using my legal skills to promote fair, transparent, and sound decision‑making. I truly enjoy my work and am proud of my profession, which has opened so many opportunities to do good.

Credentials

  • University of Minnesota Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Member & Director, International Moot Court Team, 1990, cum laude
  • Macalester College, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Political Science, Speech Communication and Philosophy, Member, Phi Beta Kappa; two time national debate champion, 1987, magna cum laude

  • Wisconsin
  • United States Supreme Court
  • United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin

  • The Products Liability Lawyers, Recommended Attorney and Firm in Wisconsin, 2023
  • Leading Litigation: General Commercial Law, Chambers USA, 2019-Present
  • FaBfive Award Recipient, FaB Wisconsin, 2019
  • Litigation Star, Benchmark Litigation, 2013-present
  • Who’s Who Legal: Product Liability Defense, ABA Section of International Law, 2014-present
  • Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent Rated
  • Best Lawyers®, Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, 2007-present
  • The Best Lawyers in America©, Lawyer of the Year, 2022
  • The Midwest’s Best Lawyers©, Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, 2021
  • Ranked Top Rated Lawyer™ in litigation by Martindale-Hubbell®, 2015-present
  • Included in Wisconsin’s Best Lawyers: A Guide to Wisconsin’s Top Attorneys
  • “Leading Lawyers” list, Milwaukee’s M Magazine
  • Leaders in the Law, Wisconsin Law Journal, 2010
  • “Lawyer of the Year”, The Best Lawyers in America©, 2024
  • Selected to Civil Litigation, Class Action/Mass Torts, Employment & Labor, General Litigation, Personal Injury Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers®, 2005-2024

Engagement

  • Board of Directors, President, Milwaukee Bar Association Foundation
  • Council Member and Food Safety Co-Chair, FaB Wisconsin
  • Sustaining Member, Product Liability Advisory Council
  • Member, American Bar Association (multiple sections)
  • Member, Defense Research Institute (multiple sections)
  • Member, Food and Drug Law Institute
  • Member, Midwest Food Processors Association
  • Member, Seventh Circuit Bar Association
  • Member, Wisconsin Association for Justice
  • Member, Wisconsin Bar Association (multiple sections)
  • Member, United States Supreme Court Historical Society
  • Law360 Product Liability Editorial Advisory Board Member, 2012-2017
  • Former Board Member, Milwaukee Bar Association
  • Former Board Member, Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association

  • Member, Milwaukee Athletic Club
  • Council Member, Lector and Usher, Fox Point Lutheran Church
  • Volunteer, The Gathering

Insights

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