As an undergraduate, I developed a keen interest in logic, rhetoric, writing, and history. The law allowed me to leverage those interests into a tool for serving others — and to make a living doing what I love.
Every law school promises to teach students to “think like a lawyer,” but few can define what that means. My passion is breaking the “think like a lawyer” process into discrete steps and teaching those steps to law students. Facilitating and observing the change in students’ thought processes is what I enjoy most about teaching.
My students will learn to think and write like lawyers, in the best sense of both verbs. They will learn the step-by-step process of thoroughly analyzing an issue based on the applicable rules and relevant evidence. And they will learn to express their analysis in clear, concise, and technically excellent writing.
I was a staff attorney for the Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth and a name partner in a Fort Worth litigation firm, where my practice focused on civil trials and appeals.
Sailing, backpacking, barbeque, and spending as much time as possible with my wife and five kids.
My research focuses on legal pedagogy, logic, and legal writing.
Achievements & Awards
Editor, Tarrant County Bar Bulletin
President, Educational Scholarships for Single Parents
"Words and logic are to lawyers what scalpels and sutures are to surgeons. Anyone who aspires to practice law must first learn to use the tools of the trade."
John F. Murphy, Instructional Professor of Law, Director of Academic Support & Bar Passage