EMAIL THIS PAGE  Email This Page

PUBLICATIONS

BUSINESS TORTS JOURNAL     empty     FALL.2002

Profile Interview: Robert E. Schaberg

By Mark Ludolph

Tell us about how you decided to become an attorney?
I was a Political Science Major in college and realized that all of the people who made major contributions to society throughout history were lawyers.

What kind of practice do you presently have?
I am a trial lawyer specializing in complex litigation involving intellectual property, securities, and antitrust issues.

What are the particular challenges you face in your practice?
As I have become more experienced, one of my primary challenges is dealing with the increased absence of civility and integrity in our profession. Another challenge is dealing with the phenomenon of very expensive litigation and balancing such costs with issues of fairness.

On a typical file, do you employ a “team” approach or do you work more as an individual?
Due to the complex nature of the litigation, we typically employ a team approach.

Who would make up a typical team for a file?
A typical team is: one partner, one associate, and one paralegal. On occasion there will be both a senior associate and a junior associate.

What technology do you regularly employ?
I regularly employ LiveNote, which is the accepted standard for direct interface with a court reporter during depositions. This greatly reduces the need to take notes and allows me to focus my attention on the witness. Another useful software program is CaseMap, which is a document and file management software we use to create case summaries and chronologies as well as for document management.

What changes do you see in the future for your style of practice?
One change that is already occurring is the greater use of mediation. In most cases we focus on preparing a case for mediation rather than trial. We discuss the possibility of mediation and pursue it early in the litigation. This results in cost savings and a more expedient resolution.

For younger lawyers, are there long-term growth opportunities in your field of legal practice?
The long-term growth opportunities are excellent in intellectual property law. Intellectual property issues will continue to grow geometrically along with advances in technology.

What is the best advice you ever received about the practice of law?
One of the more memorable pieces of advice 1 received earlier in my career was that it was better to stay in my office and read the New York Times than to take on a client who will not be willing to pay for your services. If you take such clients, regardless of the outcome, your client will be disappointed due to the cost and your firm will be disappointed due to your client’s failure to pay. It is necessary to listen to your instincts in making the determination of whether to accept a client.

Mark Ludolph, an attorney with Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen in Peoria, Illinois, conducted and prepared the interview with Mr. Schaberg, for the Business Torts Journal.

more >>