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.