Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Tell us about your biggest trial win from January 2018 through June 2019 and how you achieved the result for your client.

My biggest win during this time frame was in Lawson v. Grubhub, a first-of-its-kind trial involving the gig economy. In that case, the plaintiff claimed that he was improperly classified as an independent contractor. Our primary trial strategy was to demonstrate that the terms of the parties' agreement, which made it clear the plaintiff was an independent contractor, aligned perfectly with the way the parties actually conducted their relationship. We also used data to effectively demonstrate that plaintiff had "gamed the system" and found ways to get paid without performing any work, which hurt his credibility and reinforced our theme that he had freedom, flexibility and control.

Share two trial tips that have been key to your success.

1) Always be yourself. Authenticity lends itself to credibility, which is critical in persuading the finder of fact.

2) Prepare thoroughly to deal with difficult facts head-on, rather than trying to run from them, so you can control the narrative.