To me, the best thing about practicing law is that you get the opportunity to make a positive difference in another person's life. Whether it is having your client hugging you as he cries tears of joy upon his acquittal, or a Probation Officer telling you that the favorable sentence your client received following your impassioned allocution was not the sentence the judge was originally going to impose, there are moments when you absolutely know your effort made a difference.

The criminal-justice system can be a real meat grinder - the way to prevent your client from being chewed up is to have a thoroughly investigated and well-prepared pre-trial plan of defense. Not every case that comes into your office is going to be a trial, but as a defense attorney you don't know that right away. Investigation of the facts early on is essential - information is everything and the prosecution usually enjoys a substantial advantage in the critical early stages. Yet each case requires its own unique approach. Sometimes that consists of low-key damage control, other times it's an "all-hands-on-deck" endeavor. Whether the client is ultimately going to plead guilty or the case is tried, whether preparing for sentencing or preparing trial witnesses, each step in the criminal justice process calls for the total commitment of the defense counsel to bring his client through that process in one piece.

Our firm is a strong mix of experienced criminal defense lawyers and commercial litigators - and our standards, and our results, compare with those of the leading large firms in the state. Litigation involving business disputes among partners is common - and we've represented many physicians, attorneys, and businessmen feuding over "survival issues" or looking to dissolve or reorganize their enterprises. We have to address such matters as theft of trade secrets, misappropriation of funds, tax implications and breach of fiduciary duties. The same skills and attention to detail we utilize in our criminal cases are used in these hostile battles. We have successfully litigated these cases to verdict, while others have resolved by building a strong document supported case and effective negotiation. From the business divorce involving millions -to the individual facing federal criminal charges - to the youngster facing a narcotics violation, the lawyers in our firm are committed - and make a difference.