Why did you become an attorney?
From a young age the thought of becoming an advocate always appealed to me. The mere idea of having a profession, the education, and the ability to appear in court to present an argument lured me in. Upon turning 16 and obtaining a drivers license, I obtained employment as a runner at a law office. I maintained the same employment until the end of my college days at UNLV. Gaining experience from the attorneys and familiarizing myself with the court house. The influences I received throughout that opportunity sealed the deal. After college it was straight to law school. The practice of law presents challenges on a daily bases far from the mundane 9-5. Frankly, my personality is incapable of a day to day desk job without lashing out. The constant argument with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys over liability issues and medical records, fighting for what's right, suits me well.
What experiences (work and personal) help you be a better attorney?
Having broken numerous bones in my body on several occasions (right arm twice, left arm once, seventh cervical vertebra, torn off bottom lip, right ankle twice, left ankle, bruised and broken ribs to name a few) and having plenty of surgeries to correct the same, I can relate to most of the pain and suffering issues clients present. When a client is in pain or doesn't have their health, it changes their eating habits, sleeping habits, creates depression and makes them sharp tempered. Having personally experienced the challenges associated with pain and suffering and rehabilitation helps me understand the healing process an injured client endures.
What made you chose your primary specialty focus of law?
In my early career as an attorney I primarily practiced in the areas of criminal defense and personal injury. While criminal defense provided me with great exposure to the court system, making 5-20 appearances a day, personal injury was my desire. Personally, I feel that an attorney must make the decision to focus on one area of law. It is impractical to be a jack-of-all-tades attorney with the intricacies presented in each area of practice. In 2006, I was able to make the transition and dedicate my practice exclusively to helping personal injury victims.
What makes your law firm unique?
Benson & Bingham is a small firm dedicated to our clients. We have made the decision to maintain our intimate size so clients receive the attention they deserve. From the time a personal injury client walks into our office they recognize "the difference." As attorneys we personally meet with each and every client to address their needs. In many cases we have staff member sit in on the initial consultation so our staff is properly informed of potential issues. We do not simply allow clients to meet with case managers. While we typically sign up between 400 to 600 cases each year, we are not a volume firm. We have taken the oath to seek justice for each client individually. No law firm treats their clients better than Benson & Bingham.
Describe your ideal client.
While it may sound cliche, we truly gain satisfaction in helping the "little guy". In the past twelve years of practicing law we have seen such a shift in insurance companies going from the business of helping people into the business of denying people. The "little guy" doesn't stand a chance alone. Our ideal client is the average individual who simply becomes the victim of negligence and cannot get the wrongdoer or Insurance company to do the right thing. Perhaps it's easier to describe the ideal Defendant in a civil action...someone who refuses to accept responsibility.
