I have been practicing law since 1981, having started at Vinson & Elkins right out of law school at the University of Texas.  I am a very active trial lawyer, having tried over 350 cases to jury verdict, a number that real trial lawyers would recognize as meaningful.  I'm married to Colleen Cullen Akers, the daughter of a legendary trial lawyer, Dick Cullen.  I have three wonderful children, one of whom is a criminal defense lawyer who is already becoming well regarded among his peers.  We spend a great deal of our spare time with church and charitable activities through various groups, but mostly through the Order of Malta, a holy order of the Catholic Church in which I am a Knight.