*Survey respondents were asked to comment only upon those candidates with whom they have had direct professional contact within the last four years.  All questions were optional.

Education:
I attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri where I obtained a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in History in 1986.  I obtained a Juris Doctorate Degree from the Florida State University College of Law in Tallahassee, Florida in 1993 where I was a Virgil Hawkins Fellow.  In 2005, I was selected to participate in the International Association of Defense Counsel’s 33rd Annual Trial Academy at Stanford University School of Law in Palo Alto, California.  The Academy is a comprehensive program focused on the enhancement of trial tactics and skills for upcoming trial attorneys who already have a certain level of trial experience.

Judicial Experience:
I have served as judge pro tem in criminal, civil and small claims courts of the Marion Superior Courts system.  My judicial experience includes jury and bench trials, motions to suppress, guilty pleas, pre-trials, initial hearings and other forms of legal proceedings.  The fact that I am a practicing trial lawyer gives me a unique perspective when I sit on the bench.  I understand the goals that lawyers are trying to achieve during their advocacy.  I also recognize that attorneys have client responsibilities.  Therefore, judges should operate in a timely and efficient manner.

Significant Legal Accomplishments:
I have been a trial attorney for nearly two decades.  I was a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and a Deputy Attorney General.  I am currently a partner with the law firm of Frost Brown Todd.  I have represented a diverse group of clients during my career including individuals, churches, community development corporations, and product manufacturers.  I have represented municipalities, housing authorities and other state political subdivisions.  I have successfully taken trials to jury verdict and extensive bench trial and administrative law experience.  I am a Distinguished Fellow of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation.

Other Legal Involvement:
I am committed to diversity in the practice of law.  I served as program chair for Defense Research Institute’s Diversity for Success Seminar and Corporate Expo.  I continue to assist the current program chair in efforts to expand corporate participation in the Corporate Expo.  I am a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association and the Indiana State Bar Association.  I served as counsel to the Indiana Senate Minority Caucus.  I have been involved in numerous pro bono projects involving Marion County’s youth and homeless.  I am a member of the Housing Authority Defense Attorneys Association and have spoken nationally on issues involving housing, education and diversity in the practice of law.