In law school, I was a member of the Order of the Coif and on the North Carolina Law Review (1979-1980). I started my career as a trial lawyer in 1981 after obtaining my law degree from the University of North Carolina. That first year, I tried three jury trials to verdict. I have been a named partner in a law firm since 1985. My practice areas include personal injury, medical malpractice and complex civil litigation including serious personal injury, wrongful death, auto/truck collisions, construction law, insurance law, products liability and fire cases. I recently presented a paper, "Proof and Arguments Regarding Physician Failure to Use Best Judgment and to Exercise Reasonable Care and Diligence," at a medical malpractice seminar for the Professional Negligence Section of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice.