I was lucky enough to gain a lot of trial experience early in my career - and to work with some very fine attorneys. Like many of them, I do see myself as a true trial lawyer - here to stand up for my client's interests, in the face of what often is stubborn indifference. Our jury system is indeed a basic protection for the rights of the individual.

One of my heroes in trial law was a Detroit attorney named Harry Philo - every year I'd attend a seminar that he'd hold. His message? Most accidental injury and death is preventable. Legislators can't prevent it - they have too many conflicting interests. But the trial bar can help reduce those risks -- the decisions brought by the plaintiffs' bar certainly serve as an agent for change, for making society safer. A municipality makes its road safer. Why? So it won't get sued. That threat is a pretty powerful force for change.

I love bringing the stories of my clients to life in the courtroom. And I love working on the tough cases, including the tough criminal cases. After all these years, I can say I think there is a hometown advantage. I've had very good results in cases with juries of Cape May county. I've been here all my life.

Located where we are, in a resort and marine community, we do see a lot of fishing accidents. Commercial fishermen send heavy machinery out into the ocean in tough conditions - we've seen plenty of accidents from all that.

It's always been rewarding work - we're helping people in our community. I can't think of anything more satisfying than that.