Silicon Valley Bank, Theranos, GE, and Boeing —it is fair to ask, “where was the board as the company made fatal errors?”

Boards can miss looming disasters due to flaws in human decision-making. This article offers insights into how boards can mitigate the flaws that lead to catastrophes.

Photo of Ralph Weber Ralph Weber

During a distinguished career as a trial lawyer, I tried dozens of complex, multi-week trials, earning peer recognition from The American College of Trial Lawyers, Chambers Guide, Best Lawyers, and more.  I taught Trial Advocacy for 25 years to Marquette University Law School

During a distinguished career as a trial lawyer, I tried dozens of complex, multi-week trials, earning peer recognition from The American College of Trial Lawyers, Chambers Guide, Best Lawyers, and more.  I taught Trial Advocacy for 25 years to Marquette University Law School students.  I created the Trial Science Institute, a facility for studying how jurors and judges respond to disputed cases. And I helped found a nationally renowned trial law boutique, Gass Weber Mullins llc.

At the same time, I have been a trusted advisor to senior corporate and nonprofit leaders through work on multiple boards. I currently chair the HR and Governance Committee for a Fortune 100 company, serve on the national and local boards of a network of public charter schools, and serve on the board of a large privately held company. A trial lawyer’s ability to ask the right questions — and to pursue follow up questions as needed– brings to the boardroom an element that helps improve group decision-making.  Indeed, work I have done to improve jury decision-making is also applicable to decision-making by boards of directors.

I now am launching a new venture that emphasizes these skills of advocacy and advising. 

For Trial Lawyers, I will provide collaborative, strategic consulting to help assess their cases and create effective trial narratives. In addition, I will serve as a mediator and arbitrator for cases that can be resolved without going through the courts.

For Company Counsel, I will take on special projects when an experienced, independent perspective will help.  I will likewise assist when a second opinion on major litigation can assist both company and outside counsel.

At the same time, I will continue my research and writing about improving group decision-making.