Q. Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
A. I represent individuals (juveniles and adults) charged with criminal traffic offenses such as DWI and reckless driving, and crimes-i.e.-theft, assault, larceny, drug possession and distribution, just to name a few. I serve Northern Virginia and my office is located in Fairfax County, VA. I have been practicing law for over 30 years in Washington DC and Virginia.
Q. Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A. I earned my bachelor’s degree in economics and philosophy from Marquette University in Milwaukee in 1982, and then earned my Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia in 1985. Out of law school, I worked about six years in civil litigation in downtown Washington D.C. After that, I opened up my law office in Virginia representing clients charge with crimes and serious traffic offenses.
Q. What three pieces of advice would you give to new lawyers?
A. Find a good mentor in the field of law in which you wish to practice
Be active in your local Bar Community
Stay informed by continually reading legal publications, journals and reviews.
Q. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A. Effective communicator, both oral and written
Be social, personable and collegial
Treat your staff well and be a good employer
Q. How many hours do you work a day on average?
A. If I’m not at court, I’m working in the office from 9am to 6pm. Sometimes I work on the weekends as well.
Q. To what do you most attribute your success?
A. I attribute my success to plain old hard work, strong interest in the field of law, insatiable curiosity, ability to be a good listener, and willingness to learn from others.
Q. How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
A. I have marketed my firm through direct mailings, word of mouth, and the internet.
Q. What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A. Cultivating and maintaining meaningful relationships with clients and lawyers is the best way to guarantee success in the long-term.
Q. Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A. I would just like to maintain the current success of my practice and play more golf!
Q. What motivates you?
A. Helping people is what genuinely motivates me on a daily basis. Achieving the most desirable outcome for my client is what I strive to do for all my cases.
Q. What has been your most satisfying moment as a lawyer?
A. Anytime I get a not guilty verdict from a judge or a jury is a satisfying moment.
Q. How did you decide on the location for your business?
A. My office is easily accessible to the major roadways in Northern Virginia which makes it convenient for not only my clients but for me in having quick access to the courts in Northern Virginia.
Q. What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
A. I’m an avid golfer – I have golfed all over the US and abroad. In September 2016, I took a golf trip to Scotland where I had an opportunity to play St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Royal Dornoch, three of the top golf course in the world. I am also a diehard Boston Red Sox and Marquette Golden Eagles fan.