The best plaintiff's lawyer is the best human

As a plaintiff's lawyer, I've always felt a profound responsibility to those who've experienced unimaginable hardship. But over the years, I've learned that success isn't just about mastering legal intricacies--it's about becoming the best version of ourselves. Our most meaningful work starts within. Becoming a great lawyer means mastering empathy, authenticity, and self-discipline--qualities that drive success both in the courtroom and beyond.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO GROWTH

I realized early on that the work I do outside the courtroom is just as important as the work inside. These are some of the practices that have helped me grow and succeed in my career as a plaintiff's attorney.

Hot yoga: Strengthening mind and body

Hot yoga is more than just exercise--it's life on the mat, teaching you to stay present and breathe through discomfort. Growth comes not from avoiding challenges but from leaning into them, trusting the process, and watching yourself evolve. Just like in trial work, where pressure is constant, yoga helps you remain calm and clear, even when things heat up. The discipline of staying with discomfort builds the mental resilience needed to navigate life's toughest moments, both in and out of the courtroom.

Inner work: Programs that transform perspective

Programs such as the Landmark Forum and Joe Dispenza's retreats push us to confront limiting beliefs, redefine what's possible, and take ownership of our impact on others. Landmark teaches principles that align with law--responsibility, integrity, and effective communication.

This kind of inner work is not a one-time event. These types of programs provide a handbook for being human, helping us understand the patterns, behaviors, and underlying rules that shape all human experience.

Books that shape great lawyers and better humans

While legal mastery is essential, becoming a great lawyer requires wisdom from beyond the law. These books have had a lasting impact on my life and are ones I recommend to every aspiring attorney:

"The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself," by Michael A. Singer - A guide to realizing that none of this is truly real, freeing us from fear and ego and empowering us to show up authentically, knowing we have full control over how we experience life.

"Inner Engineering: A Yogi's Guide to Joy," by Sadhguru - A blueprint for understanding that we are mind, body, and spirit, and true mastery comes from cultivating harmony across all these domains to navigate life and law with clarity, strength, and grace.

"Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One," by Dr. Joe Dispenza - Reveals how we can manifest our reality by rewiring our thoughts, empowering us to focus with intention and unlock creativity for success in every aspect of life, including law.

"The Disappearance of the Universe," by Gary Renard - Illuminates how we are all spiritually connected, and it is only through the lens of ego and the human experience that we perceive separation--reminding us that true peace comes from transcending this illusion and seeing our oneness, even in the most challenging moments.

"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck,"* by Mark Manson - A reminder to let go of overreacting to things that don't align with our purpose or hold real significance, teaching us to focus only on what truly matters and avoid being distracted by the irrelevant--an essential mindset for both law and life.

Legal mastery: No list of growth strategies for trial lawyers would be complete without the best legal resources. I recommend these essential legal books to every attorney:

"David Ball on Damages 3," by David Ball - The definitive guide on presenting damages in a way that resonates with juries.

"Don't Eat the Bruises: How to Foil Their Plans to Spoil Your Case," by Keith Mitnik - A book on how to overcome defense strategies that aim to diminish your case.

"Rules of the Road," by Rick Friedman - A tactical manual for simplifying complex cases so juries can easily follow your arguments.

"Running with the Bulls: How to Win Top Dollar Settlements," by Nicholas Rowley and Courtney Rowley - Strategies for success in high-stakes litigation.

"The Zen Lawyer: Winning with Mindfulness," by Jay Rinsen Weik and Michael Leizerman - A reminder that while we fight for others, we must also take care of ourselves.

FIGHTING FOR THE UNDERDOG

Since childhood, I've been drawn to the underdog. That calling led me to specialize in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. My firm has taken on the Goliaths of the world, securing outlier verdicts and settlements. These aren't just numbers--they represent lives changed, families healed, and powerful entities held accountable.

But for me, it's never been about courtroom victories alone. Making a lasting impact means finding ways to help others rise, both inside and outside the legal field. I believe in mentoring the next generation of trial lawyers and contributing to their growth in meaningful ways.

GIVING BACK: SCHOLARSHIPS, MUSIC, PHILANTHROPY

One of the most meaningful ways we give back is by awarding scholarships to law students pursuing careers in public service. We believe it's essential to support those who dedicate their careers to justice and service, ensuring they have the resources to succeed. Through these scholarships, we are planting the seeds for the next generation of advocates and change-makers.

Outside of law, music has been a powerful force in my life. As a DJ and producer under the name The Archer, I connect with people beyond the courtroom, creating experiences that inspire and move others. Through my labels, There Is A Light and Octopus, I champion emerging artists and push boundaries in house and techno music.

Through the There Is A Light Foundation, we provide financial grants to help individuals reach the next level in their lives--whether in education, the arts, or personal development. Just as in law, my mission in music and philanthropy is to inspire, uplift, and create meaningful connections.

CONTINUOUS GROWTH: A LIFELONG COMMITMENT

Even successful lawyers understand that their growth is never complete. Whether through fitness, spiritual exploration, or deepening our understanding of the human condition, personal work sharpens our professional tools.

The journey of self-discovery is about showing up as the best version of ourselves for our clients, teams, and community. Law is a profession that demands resilience, compassion, and a commitment to making the world a fairer place. To be the best lawyers, we must strive to be the best humans -- constantly improving, learning, and evolving. The results will speak for themselves in and out of the courtroom.

CONCLUSION

Being a great lawyer is about more than just the law. It's about becoming the best version of yourself. Through self-discipline, empathy, and continuous growth, the most important work we do is within ourselves. By focusing on being the best humans we can be, we can build careers that fight for justice, make an impact, and change the world--one case, one life at a time.