I am a sixth generation Californian, although you would never know it from the lack of any noticeable tan. My mom divorced my father in 1970 and I was raised by my single parent mother in the San Fernando Valley. My mom did an incredible job raising four kids with no help, no prior job experience, and with very little money. Growing up, I watched my mom work extremely hard and struggle to provide for our family. She instilled in me a tireless work ethic and hunger to succeed that stills burns today. I started working at the age of 12 and now almost 47 years later, I have never been without a job.
I went to UCLA and then Loyola Law School. I graduated law school at the age of 24 and tried my first case within three weeks of passing the bar, which I somehow won. I have been hooked ever since and I love to be in trial. My mentor was the late David M. Harney, who was one of the greatest lawyers of his generation. He taught me how to be a trial lawyer; to be fearless, yet pragmatic, and to always put my clients’ interests first. My greatest success at the Harney firm was not any case or trial, but rather meeting the love of my life, my wife Alexandra, who I share three wonderful boys with, Andrew, Christian and Elliot. When I am not working, I can be found enjoying time with my family and my four-year-old rescue dog, Sadie. Almost every weekend, I am at some soccer field watching Elliot score goals and assist on others.
I cannot believe I have been practicing law for 34 years. It has all gone by so fast. Over the years, I have handled nearly every type of case and with the help of others, we have successfully taken on legions of defense lawyers, corporations, and insurance companies, who will use all means necessary to deprive victims of justice. I am proud to be a lawyer. I feel blessed and honored to do what we do, fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves. I truly enjoy helping my clients and I also love giving back by teaching and mentoring others in the art and practice of law.
