Employer: Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Title and Practice Area: Partner, Civil Litigation – Class Action Defense

Describe your biggest win or accomplishment in practice.  Winning a unanimous jury verdict following a week-long trial in federal court in a certified class action asserting negligence claims for more than $50 million in damages. I successfully cross-examined the plaintiffs' key negligence expert, examined multiple key defense witnesses, and prepared all of the defendant's fact witnesses.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned in your first year practicing law?  I learned that attention to detail and digging deep into the underlying facts and documents is critical to successfully defending a case. It makes written communications and briefs stronger, inspires confidence in team members and clients, and best positions the defense team and client to make advantageous strategic decisions.

Who is your greatest lawyer mentor and what has he or she taught you?  Drew Tulumello and Dan Nelson, the former managing partners of Gibson Dunn's D.C. office and chairs of our class actions and products liability practice groups. Their wise guidance helped me to hone my deposition and trial skills, cultivate client relationships, and successfully manage large attorney teams in complex commercial litigation.

Please share a brief key to your success.  Hard work, commitment to excellence, and fierce advocacy in every project undertaken, whether brief writing, negotiating with opposing counsel, preparing witnesses, arguing in court, or interacting with clients. There is no substitute for rolling up your sleeves and putting in the time to achieve the best result possible.