Law Firm Overview

Representing the Wrongfully Injured and the Unjustly Accused

I am a skilled negotiator and an experienced courtroom attorney who is known for getting positive outcomes for his clients, whether the case involved motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, or criminal charges. Before establishing my own practice in 1982, I spent nearly three years as an assistant prosecutor in Jackson County, Missouri, where I gained extensive trial experience.

I have taught trial techniques courses at Hofstra University Law School, Emory University Law School, Widener University Law School, and at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy Northeast Regional Program. My years of trial experience help me resolve legal matters effectively both inside and outside of the courtroom.

The Importance of Trial Experience

The right to a trial by a jury of one's peers is the heart of the American legal system. Yet, jury trials have become so time consuming and expensive that responsible attorneys always work to resolve their clients' cases outside of the courtroom through negotiation, arbitration, or mediation.

Today, these forms of alternative dispute resolution have become so prevalent that many attorneys have little if any experience in courtroom litigation. Ironically, attorneys like me, who have extensive trial experience, are perhaps best able to prevent a case from going to trial.

Because the opposition understands that I am willing and able to take a case before a jury, they may be more likely to offer or agree to a fair, reasonable resolution outside of court.

Areas of Practice

• Bad Faith Insurance
• Civil Rights
• Class Actions -- Plaintiff
• Criminal Law 25%
• Litigation
• Medical Malpractice
• Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff
• Nursing Home
• Personal Injury -- Plaintiff 50%
• Products Liability Law
• Railroad Worker Injury/FELA
• Traffic Violations
• White Collar Crimes
• Workers' Compensation Law 25%
• Wrongful Death
• DUI/DWI
• Discrimination
• Insurance Law

West Practice Categories

Bad Faith Insurance, Civil Rights, Class Actions -- Plaintiff, Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Traffic Violations, White Collar Crimes, Insurance Law, Litigation & Appeals, Wrongful Death -- Defense, Personal Injury -- Plaintiff, Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff, Products Liability Law, Medical Malpractice, Railroad Worker Injury/FELA, Workers' Compensation Law