Q&A

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

My grandfather. Most of my friends had grandparents who lived long lives and are still living today. I lost my grandfather at the young age of 6. I watched him die choking on every breath from the terrible disease of complicated black lung from working as a coal miner. I reflected more on this in college and decided to pursue a career in the law to help injured workers and their families, and specifically coal miners, obtain justice from their corporate employers who continually place profits over the safety and health of their employees.

What sets you apart in your area of legal expertise?

Working diligently to not only know the applicable law but also become a subject matter expert on my cases. It is critical to know how the injury occurred and understand the intricacies of each case.

In addition, I develop a very close rapport with my clients from the initial intake throughout the case. I make it a point to visit with my clients at their homes to not only get to know them better but also their entire family. This way, I am able to get a clear picture of how the injury impacts them on a daily basis.

What do you consider your most significant achievement?

The opportunity to represent my clients to help them get their lives back on track. Large verdicts and settlements do not occur without special people behind them. I am blessed to represent good blue-collar workers and their families.

Can you share a case or client experience that had a profound impact on you and/or your career?

Recently I’ve had the opportunity to represent a Somalian refugee who fled his home country to come to the United States for the American dream. He became a U.S. citizen; completed his education in America; and became a licensed commercial truck driver. This client was involved in a tragic incident which resulted in the amputation of his dominant arm.

In his 30s with a loving wife and three (3) young children and with no available means to support them, he did not know where to turn. Learning of his early life struggles with the civil war in Somalia and the decision to leave his family and home country, and now losing his arm, the discipline, devotion, and positive outlook this client continually displays is so motivating. It truly has impacted me to try and be better each day as a man, husband, father, son, lawyer, and person.

If you weren’t an attorney, what alternative career path might you have pursued?

Most likely something in the golf business, either a club pro, PGA rules official, or something involved with growing the game. I was a Division I scholarship collegiate golfer at Marshall University from 1999 to 2004. I started playing golf at the age of 7 and competitively at age 9. The sport of golf has played a very large role in who I am today. While I have not played competitively in several years, I still enjoy playing every chance I get and am excited to teach the game to my 11-year-old son, who has shown interest in the sport.

What advice would you give to aspiring attorneys who are going through law school right now?

Effective communication with other attorneys is paramount. Do not just email and text; pick up the phone and have conversations. During a case, choose your battles wisely. Know when to fight an issue and know when to compromise.

Outside of practicing law, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?

I enjoy golfing, traveling to different destinations for family vacations, hunting, and attending sporting events. During the year, I am very involved with youth sports in my home community of Winfield, West Virginia. I attend my daughter’s cheer competitions and my son’s ball games.

I am currently the President of the Winfield Youth Football & Cheer League and an assistant coach. I have also been the head All-Star basketball coach at Winfield for the last two (2) seasons (2023 and 2024) for the 3rd and 4th-grade divisions of which my son was a member of the teams.

What source of inspiration or motivation has been the most significant driving force in your professional career and in your personal life?

Simple. There is no replacement for hard work and treating people how you would like to be treated.

Do you have a favorite quote?

“There’s the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. If you choose the pain of discipline, you’ll never have to deal with the pain of regret and disappointment.” – Nick Saban