Four lawyers started our firm on January 1, 1986. We had an idea for a law firm that tossed out the traditional law firm trappings. We believed that lavish offices in prestigious buildings wouldn’t win cases. They inflate overhead and ultimately cost both us and our clients money. Prestige comes from doing excellent work and winning cases.
Most of all, we wanted to focus on trying cases and winning.
In 20 years we grew from four lawyers to over 375 without merging or absorbing a single group. Great law school recruiting has been key to our growth. We have found that a firm devoted solely to litigation attracts the best law students in the country who want to try lawsuits. We attract the students who excelled in moot court, mock trials and clinical programs; people who went to law school because they wanted the challenge and excitement of trial—not just because they wanted to keep their options open.
We have also added associates and partners from other law firms. They were handpicked one at a time for their special talents and the niches they would fill. Contrary to the conventional wisdom that lateral hiring is destabilizing, it has been a source of strength for us. Our firm has been enriched by the experience, wealth of contacts and different perspectives brought by partners who grew up in over a dozen firms.
Today we are generally on the short list for any major litigation matter anywhere in the United States.