When it comes to my personal life, I measure success by happiness and well-being, not money. I know several wealthy people who are unhappy, so money does not get you there. My family is very important to me, and I have to be careful not to let my desire to succeed professionally interfere with the more important goal of being a good husband and father. It is tough to strike the right balance at times. But nothing makes me happier than being around Amanda and the boys, so if I can be a good husband and father to them, that’s success in my book. Do you have a particular career achievement that you feel especially proud about? I have been fortunate enough to litigate numerous cases throughout my career that were very impactful, not only for the client we represented, but the public at large. Some cases make a lasting impact and lead to positive change that extends beyond that case. Flame arresters are a great example. We have successfully litigated wrongful death cases against water heater and gas can manufacturers for failing to equip their products with flame arresters, which are safety devices designed to prevent the propagation of flames and explosions in certain equipment. Now, gas water heaters and gas containers have flame arresters. I am not saying that this is solely because of us, but I do think the plaintiffs’ bar as a whole led to that change. Plaintiff lawyers get a bad rap sometimes, but I do believe the work we do is the impetus for regulations that lead to safer products and workplaces. Like I said, I have been fortunate enough to litigate numerous cases that have made that kind of impact. But as far as one particular case or career achievement that makes me especially proud, I cannot point to just one. I think I am proud of the entire journey. When I joined my dad in 2005, we were a firm of four – two lawyers and 18 LAWYER MONTHLY SEPTEMBER 2023 You can be the best lawyer in the world, but if you do not have any clients, you are not making much of an impact.
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