Anyone who's ever attended parochial school or has had dealings with a large corporation knows that when you start to question the rules, well, you'll always get the same answer: 'That's the way it is.' They view authority as always right. They never look at the other side of anything. So I learned from an early age to be curious and to question the ways things are - in part because I wasn't supposed to.

In fact I've come to appreciate there are two sides to every argument, and understand the thinking of both sides. Too often one side or the other doesn't get challenged -- even in a courtroom.

In that respect, corporations and big institutions don't like being challenged. They have their own sets of rules, which no one should challenge. They can be knee-jerk in their reaction. And they often don't have to answer to anyone.

That's why if you lose that corporate job for no obvious reason, you'd be wise to challenge, to find out why. Economics can play a part, politics can play a part - and illegal discrimination and retaliation can play a part as well.

The 'why' of any job termination is central to what we do as employment lawyers and commercial litigators. It's always the 'why' that matters.

I've learned that every attorney has his own style. Some are boisterous in the courtroom, some are soft-spoken. You don't acquire a style automatically - it takes time. But I know my style - not loud, but energetic and relentless -- works for me and my clients.

So I always tell my clients this: Collect evidence now, right away - not two years from now. First impressions are lasting impressions.

I also tell them they won't likely get results overnight. Even as you present your evidence, the process will take time.

In the meantime I always help my clients prepare for that process. After all, they have a story to tell, and it must be told in a credible and compelling way. Juries want to hear a true story they can relate to. Some stories involve things like age discrimination and sexual harassment. Part of my job is to understand how to best convince a jury of the merits of my clients' case and why my client is more credible than the employer.

Our practice devotes a lot of time listening to every call that comes to us, and determining, based on the initial information we are provided, whether we can and should take that case. And we don't take every case. More than anything I have to believe in my client, and believe in their case. But once I am convinced, I will fight for them relentlessly.

Some workplace situations and terminations may be unfair and painful - but they may not be illegal. Yes, the boss may be a jerk. But being a jerk is not unlawful. That's why the facts of every case are so important.

I'm not huge fan of most lawyers - too many just want to fight and increase their billable hours. Some attorneys behave as if they don't want to resolve the problems of their clients. I consider myself among those who are practical and results oriented.

I have always enjoyed the challenge of presenting a well thought out argument - to an adversary, to a judge, even to a jury. I know the results I've achieved for my clients have helped change their lives for the better. I'm very proud of that. That's why I love being a trial lawyer.