TITLE IV


Here's the part of my practice that, at least on paper, doesn't fit my science-based profile. But it's as important to my professional, personal and spiritual life as anything else I do.
I am, and have been throughout my adult life, a committed and devoted Episcopalian, and I have had the honor of serving the Church in a variety of roles. Within my parish, I've done numerous tours of duty as Senior Warden, Warden, Vestry member, youth leader, choir member, and several other positions. At the Diocesan level, I spent several years as a member of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, where among other things I gained a thorough grounding in the canonical underpinnings of the Church -- as evidenced by my copies of the 2012, 2015 and 2018 Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church of the United States, all lovingly dog-eared and highlighted virtually beyond recognition. The number of experienced trial lawyers in the United States having a thorough command of the Episcopal Canons is not large, but I am one of them.
With that background and experience in hand, a substantial portion of my current legal practice is devoted to the representation of both Respondents and Complainants in disciplinary proceedings brought under Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church. My experience encompasses virtually all phases of the Title IV process, including Investigations, Conference Panels, pre-hearing and trial proceedings before Hearing Panels, negotiation of Accords, challenges to Administrative Leave and Pastoral Direction, and similar matters, in Minnesota and elsewhere. I have garnered praise from clients, Church Attorneys, Chancellors and others engaged in these matters for my advocacy, professionalism, and dedication to my clients' interests in these cases.
For many participants in the process, a Title IV matter often brings vast uncertainty, confusion, isolation, and emotional upset. Respondents in particular typically find the process unfathomable without legal help. My experience in Title IV disputes enables me to offer clients an early analysis of the merits of their position, a comprehensive strategy toward the successful resolution of the matter and a realistic analysis of the rewards and risks -- personal, professional, emotional and financial -- that accompany every Title IV case. In some cases, the correct approach is one of conciliation and cooperation; in others, aggressive and zealous advocacy is the proper call. Either way -- and I am more than comfortable with both -- it is an honor to serve the interests of my clients, and the Church as an institution, by helping them navigate the shoals of the Title IV process.
Please feel free to contact me personally for more information regarding my Title IV work and/or references.