Tell us about your biggest client wins this year. The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed a $3.17 million medical malpractice jury verdict in Hennepin County for my client, a 65-year-old retired nurse, who lost her eye following eye surgery. The Minnesota Court of Appeals [also] affirmed an order of a Hennepin County trial court, finding first party bad faith on the part of my client's auto insurer, and upholding the maximum damages available and awarding attorney's fees.

What's the best lesson you learned as a young lawyer? A well-written brief is more important than a good oral argument.

What's been the most significant change in your practice area and how have you adjusted? My practice is primarily focused on plaintiff's medical malpractice. I've seen a shift in the way insurers handle claims, resulting in less pre-trial settlements, and more cases going to trial. My favorite part of practice is trial, so it has been a welcome change for me. I plan for trial in each case from the start, and move rapidly to get cases into suit.

Share an interesting fact about your firm that few know. We have a full-size courtroom that is terrific for trial skills training and trial prep.

Teresa Fariss McClain is a principal attorney based in Robins Kaplan's Minneapolis office.