When we imagine justice, often pictured is the iconic figure of Lady Justice. From ancient Greece to the U.S. Supreme Court, there she is—blindfolded, holding a scale in one hand and a sword in the other. Ever wondered what those symbols mean? Or what they are intended to instill, even as the fate of cases are decided today, at...
The first time I stood in front of a jury, in a large superior courtroom in Spokane County, I was a younger lawyer with more energy than eloquence, more ambition than experience. I'll never forget the feeling as if my legs might give out and collapse as easily as the accordion files in my briefcase. My mouth...
A big part of my decision to become a trial lawyer was to be part of something bigger than myself. I believe that trial lawyers have an obligation to make their communities a better place – both through litigation and community service. There is perhaps no circumstances I find this commitment more important than when it comes...
Pain, especially pain that doesn't quit, changes a person. And rarely for the better. The consequences of persistent pain extend well beyond the agonizing sensations of pain itself. Unremitting pain robs a person of the ability to enjoy life, maintain important relationships, fulfill spousal and parental responsibilities, perform well at a job or work at all. Pain may be invisible but,...
Everyone knows it takes money to go to trial. I'm here to tell you that you don't need a bunch of money to have excellent counsel or to have experts with lots of experience on your side. But you do need some things. First, you need courage. Second, you need to be able to trust...
It was an honor to be published in Trial News, by the Washington Association for Justice. It was also especially sweet to receive a personal note of thanks for writing the article from Paul Luvera, a Washington State trial attorney I have long followed and highly respect. Mr. Luvera is one of the most respected trial attorneys of our...
