I have practiced law in Illinois since 1985. I learned how
at the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. Before that, in 1982, I
graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia with a bachelor's degree in
History & Economics.My first lawyer job was to defend insurance companies and their customers against injury claims. The firm I worked for represented most all of the major insurance companies at one time or another. I went to court nearly every day for six years and learned the trial skills I still rely on to this day.
I never really liked working for insurance companies, so I left in 1990 to open my own office. Now I represent "real people." I like it.
| I practice alone. I answer my own phones. I type my own documents. I handle all aspects of my cases personally. |
Some lawyers call this solo practice. I call it "Butt naked" solo practice. Practicing this way might be a bit harder and it is certainly contrary to most "expert" theory on modern law office management. In an era where law firms are "going global" with 1,000 or more lawyers on staff, I find this to be much more rewarding. My clients get personal attention. I can guaranty that client services are handled by a licensed attorney, not a secretary or paralegal. Clients who hire a lawyer deserve a lawyer's work, nothing less.
In that same vein, I don't keep a particularly "fancy shmancy" office either. Some of my colleagues focus on their image. I try to concentrate on delivering top notch service; without the pretense or frills.
While my normal office hours are 9:00 to 5:00, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 9:00 to 2:00 on Wednesdays. That said, the practice of law is anything but a 40 hour a week job. A colleague is fond of saying that the beauty of sole practice law is the freedom of part-time work - you can chose which 12 hours a day you devote to it! If you want to get together later in the day or on a Sunday, let me know. We can work something out by appointment.
Outside of work, I like to ride my bicycle(s). I am a proud member of the Chicago Cycling Club. Bicycling is cheap; its easy; and it provides a great excuse to get outside. Even better, Chicago looks great by bike! Lets ride together sometime.
I also serve as a director of the David Block Foundation, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation that was established to honor the memory of a high school friend. The Fund lends financial support to some of the finest charitable causes I know of.
I am the proud father of three (well above average) children. I don't deserve such good fortune. We live in Chicago. We are glad that we do.
Club Ride Photos:
- 2001 Hilly Hundred
- 2001 Ride the Rockies
- 2001 Club Rides
I am admitted to the following bars:
- State of Illinois, 1985 - Present
- United States District Court, Northern District Illinois, 1987 - Present
- Federal Court Trial Bar
I belong to these professional organizations:
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
I studied at the following institutions of higher education:
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA, BA, 1982 History & Economics
- Loyola University School of Law, Chicago, IL, JD 1985
My outside interests include:
- David Block Foundation, Director & Treasurer 1989 - Present
- Am Yisrael Congregation. Trustee, 1997-1999
- Chicago Cycling Club, President, 2007- - Secretary, 1998-9; Board Member at Large, 1997-8; Ride Leader & rable rouser
