I was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1947. In 1969, I graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a B.A. in Economics. I graduated from Harvard Law School in 1972 with a Juris Doctor degree.
In 1973, my wife Carol and I moved to western North Carolina, where I have been engaged in the general practice of law for over forty years. My first office was in Hendersonville from 1973-1988, after which I moved to Asheville. In my career, I have represented clients from all over western North Carolina in a great variety of cases, from capital murder trials and wrongful death, medical malpractice, and product liability litigation, to complex business and commercial transactions and litigation, and real estate development and closings. For the last decade, I have concentrated on business negotiation and litigation, and real estate transactions and the development process. I still represent personal injury clients in substantial cases.
In November, 2013, based on my broad experience with local government issues and non-profit board process, I was selected to be the attorney for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. This new position has proved to be very rewarding and interesting.
While maintaining a full-time legal practice, I have also owned and operated several businesses, a computer software company, a furniture manufacturing company, a real estate development company, and a large local shopping mall. I have also served on the board of directors of an internet marketing firm in Atlanta, and an e-book licensing firm in New York City.
I have been and remain a strong advocate and supporter of the Asheville community. Through my involvement in the community, I have developed friendships and working relationships with key people in government, education, business, and the non-profit sectors. I have proudly witnessed Asheville develop into a center for the arts, outdoor adventure, music, health care, and a sustainable businesses. I have greatly enjoyed contributing to this growth, and am known as a booster of our city and region. A list of my community activities can be found here.
As our area experienced rapid growth in real estate development, I conceived of and chaired the Mountain Green Conference, a ground-breaking conference at Warren Wilson College focusing on sustainable real estate development in our mountain region.
I am proud that the legal community in Asheville is one of the strongest in North Carolina, while maintaining a collegial atmosphere. I have served as president of the 28th Judicial District Bar, and in 2005 was honored to receive the 28th Judicial District Centennial Award for community service.
I have been very involved with the local and national Jewish community for many years. I have been president of Beth Israel synagogue and of the Western North Carolina Jewish Federation. I am very engaged with the state of Israel, which I have visited 15 times. I was appointed by Governor Jim Hunt to serve on the board of directors of the North Carolina-Israel Partnership, and currently serve on the board of directors of the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Southeast, and the advisory board of Tel Aviv University Recanati School of Management.
Litigation practice has undergone many changes since I began to practice law. Most important in my view is the introduction of mediation as a means of resolving disputes. Mediation allows the parties to a dispute, whether or not litigation has been commenced, to resolve their cases through the services of a certified mediator. In addition to representing many clients in mediations, I have become certified both as a NC Superior Court Mediator and as a Mediator in matters before the Clerk of Court, such as estates. I am also a certified mediator for cases in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.
I feel that all of my varied career experiences give me a broad and unique perspective in handling legal matters, whether transactions, negotiations, or litigation. In my opinion, my ability to see the “bigger picture” when analyzing a legal problem gives my clients an advantage. I look forward to discussing your legal issue, and hope that I can provide services which are of great benefit to you.
