While I handle cases and problems involving what are now considered to be a number of different “practice areas,” in my experience, a thorough understanding of the commonalities of the litigation-process—the rules of procedure and evidence for the relevant court or tribunal, and the nature of the relevant jurist(s) and the fact-finder — is at least as important to a successful result as mastery of the underlying subject area. This is particularly so when one practices with a law firm such as Brooks Pierce, where, if I haven’t previously dealt with a more arcane or unusual topic, I almost certainly have a partner who has that specific experience and is happy to share his or her knowledge and assist as needed.
Indeed, I often discover that having several different perspectives on a particular claim or defense that comes from knowing the different ways a particular doctrine is typically dealt with within the confines of a specific litigation area is very helpful, especially when the problem at hand requires a more novel or unorthodox solution.
I enjoy doing a variety of activities “outdoors” in my spare time—getting outside to do things is made easier by the fact that I live in a relatively rural section of eastern Wake County. In addition to fishing, hiking and photographing nature, my principal recreational pursuits are bicycle riding, both solo and with various local groups, and scuba diving. I particularly enjoy diving the many wrecks and ledges that lie offshore of our state’s coast. If you are a scuba diver who hasn’t explored the diving North Carolina has to offer, please call me to discuss: talking about it is almost as rewarding as actually going diving.