I am licensed in Illinois to practice both law and social work. I have a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law (1989) and a Master of Arts from The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice (2001). My professional endeavors include writing and speaking engagements at law schools, colleges, and academic and professional conferences around the country and abroad. 

My academic book is A Short & Happy Guide to Legal Writing, West (2019) (2nd Ed. Forthcoming). I have also authored numerous articles published in legal academic journals. My academic papers are available here: https://ssrn.com/author=1785651

As a law professor, I taught legal analytical communication and advocacy at seven schools, including Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and the University of Illinois Chicago Law School. I maintain a visiting adjunct appointment at UIC Law. 

The crossover disciplines in which I work are law, social work, and social policy, including report-writing for the federal lawsuit, M.D. v. Abbott. As a member of the monitoring team, I work to ensure the Texas State foster care system protects children in care. Our work is described here.

In addition, I consult with and write for attorneys seeking recovery of damages for mental and physical injuries in personal injury and professional malpractice lawsuits. 

Recently, I edited an international cookbook.