09/12/2026
I just finished a two-week jury trial, the longest of my 10-plus years as a lawyer.
My clients alleged that a staff member repeatedly sexually abused their daughter in a bathroom at Wallace Elementary in Johnston when she was 10 years old. Her mental health deteriorated, and she began self-harming. Four years later, she told a school counselor and identified the staff member in a yearbook.
She has scars all over her body. She cannot drive, attends school online, and may never be able to live on her own. Despite selective mutism, PTSD, anxiety, and depression, she got on the witness stand and told the jury what happened. Her parents never doubted her and did everything they could to help her.
I sued the school district for negligent supervision and training. The case involved two years of litigation, more than 20 depositions, and six expert witnesses. I tried it alone against multiple defense lawyers with far more resources. My clients turned down a nuisance-value settlement offer before trial. They wanted their daughter’s story heard and the district held accountable.
I gave those two weeks everything I had, from picking the jury through closing argument, where I asked for a multimillion-dollar verdict for the harm to my client. I believed the evidence was overwhelming.
After one day of deliberations, the jury returned a 7–1 verdict for the district, finding it was not negligent in protecting my client. I don’t understand the verdict, but I accept the jury’s decision.
I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for her parents to explain this verdict to their daughter after everything she went through.
Thank you to my amazing paralegal Megan, my clients for trusting me, and my friends and family for supporting me through this.
I don’t like losing, and I’m not used to it. But I don’t regret taking this case. Raising awareness and pushing for accountability and safer schools is still a win. Hugs to all involved.
