William Noboru Ota

I was named secondarily in a retaliatory suit involving employment-related issues and the insurance company was represented by Bill. It was basically a very stressful situation, made bearable by the professional way that things were handled. I was impressed and comforted by his complete grasp of the ...situation and how thoroughly he went about addressing each challenge as they arose. He spent much time keeping me updated in great detail, patiently explaining the tactics that the opposing party was employing and various points of law or procedure that affected the choices available to us as things progressed. He was familiar with the opposing counsel, and understood their tactics, which was enabled him to read and predict their approach with great accuracy, as if he was reading their playbook. He was quick to see that the outlandish claims would have no traction and It was most interesting to observe him dismantling their case piece by piece. Bill is an astute reader of people and also understood how the judge thought, and would react to the various motions and potential impasses that arose. I always felt that he was in total control of the situation, while the opposing attorneys seemed lost, and were constantly getting stymied in their efforts. There was a definite feeling that they were uncomfortable with their case and regretted taking it. What must have been a very disappointing settlement bore that out. Bill was very thorough in his assessment at each juncture of the case, and I very much appreciated his in-depth analysis and explanation of the process. He is very knowledgable but does not bring the superior or condescending attitude that one often encounters in big-firm attorneys whose cultures breed a certain aloofness that they probably feel entitles them to charge more. Bill is genuine, down to earth, considerate, highly principled and an open book. Working with him was a very refreshing and rewarding expereince. My stress was replaced by peace of mind as the weeks passed. As a professional who assesses and develops the capability of CEOs and their organizations, I have many years of experience evaluating the abilities and effectiveness of professionals. If at all possible, I would definitely retain Bill if the decision were mine to make, should the need ever arise.