If, as some people seem to think, our profession is a constant battle, Bert comes to the fray particularly well-prepared. Serving four years in the United States Marine Corps, Bert’s travels included postings in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Okinawa, Japan; and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. While earning his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he was selected to be a member of the UNC National Trial Team.
To understand Bert you must appreciate his passion to help the underserved. While in law school he volunteered his time with the Chapel Hill Community Legal Project, and worked with The Innocence Project to assist wrongfully accused individuals throughout North Carolina. For several years Bert was an attorney advisor to the Greene County High School Wade Edwards Mock Trial Team. Mentoring students to see the world beyond their rural surroundings was a welcome challenge as the attorney-student teams routinely earned trips to the state finals. More recently, Bert has realized a passion to advocate for the disenfranchised Latino Community of North Carolina.
Having a taste for the novel, Bert and his staff have handled numerous cases including defamation actions, heart balm suits, discrimination cases, and pharmacy malpractice claims. Facing some unusual life experiences, Bert is well aware of the surprises and unexpected turns that life can hold in store. As the proud parent of three children, he is daily reminded to appreciate the power and wonder of seemingly mundane everyday events.
His clients know him to be pragmatic, assertive and understanding. And he has proven himself willing to go above and beyond the call of duty in his efforts to help others. Bert often quotes the Texas attorney Joe Jamail, “if you are not emotionally involved, your client is not getting your best effort.”
