In what area of law do you practice and why did you choose this?
I spend most of my time litigating high stakes disputes. I work on many Business Divorce cases and many others, where the solution (winning) is critical to the client.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
On career day in 6th Grade I visited an attorney’s office and decided that would be my career.
When did you decide you wanted to be a lawyer?
I actually finally decided on a career in law after law school, when I chose a position with a downtown firm over a business opportunity.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a lawyer?
I would have been an operator of a radio station group.
Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your career.
Phil Cole was my first boss. I learned much from him, but perhaps the best lesson was to be honest, direct and tenacious. Be a bulldog!
What do you like best about practicing law at H&J?
I enjoy being surrounded by good people who are great lawyers. My team is awesome.
What is the best career advice you have received?
Listen to people.
What is your favorite Minnesota Lake?
I enjoy spending time with friends on the Alexandria chain of lakes.
What is your favorite Twin Cities restaurant?
Ciao Bella.
When you are not working, what would people find you doing?
You can find me playing old man hockey, poker or golf. I also spend as much time as possible with my wife and three adult children.
What is your favorite part of practicing law?
Figuring out the path to my client’s goals and then achieving them.
What is a recent good book you read?
Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follet); In the Garden of Beasts (Erich Larson).
What advice would you give the young version of yourself who is just entering law school?
In addition to your law degree, get qualified in an industry that you love. If you love sports or chemistry or zoology, get a degree in that area. That way you get to work around people who have the same passion as you, and you become the go-to lawyer in the zoology community.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I was a rugby player during and after college.
If you have an out-of-town visitor, what are the “must see/do” things in the Twin Cities?
It’s a secret place.
