LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE
Puttering around our small farm is time well spent—almost rivaling grandparent time with the 3 very special grandkids living nearby. Other pastimes include guitar and banjo picking with talented and forgiving friends, binge-reading, and “sleeves rolled up” involvement in local government as a rare left of center Tennessee small town alderman. I married my high school sweetheart Jennifer over 50 ago. She's so patient (still).
An unmet goal was to try a jury trial in every Tennessee county. Those last pesky dozen or so of the 95 were just too elusive. Shouldn’t 2 Johnson County Circuit Court bench trials equal to one jury trial? If not, it’s just not fair…
My time as a “real lawyer” is done. I did enjoy the courtroom. As gray hair conquers, my work life is devoted to civil mediation. I really enjoy helping folks work past real and emotional barriers to settle disputes.
Favorite book: Animal Farm, by George Orwell ("Some animals are more equal than others...")
Favorite movie: Animal House ("Seven years of college down the drain...")
Favorite courthouses: Indoor plumbing and no metal detectors.
Favorite keepsake: Early 70’s Martin D-18 guitar, bought by teenaged Kreis with high school mowing money. Honorable mention: a New Holland tractor.
ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION
Tennessee (1981), US District Court, Middle TN (1982), US Court of Appeals 6th Circuit (1982), US District Court, Eastern TN (2005), US District Court, Western TN (2008), US Supreme Court (2005). University of Tennessee, Knoxville (B.A., 1978); Vanderbilt University School of Law (J.D., 1981)
PAST/PRESENT MEMBERSHIPS
Diplomate, Tennessee Chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals: American Board of Trial Advocates, National Board of Trial Advocacy, DRI, Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, Tennessee Bar Association, Williamson County Bar Association, Nashville Bar Association and National Association of Subrogation Professionals.
SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION
Civil Trial Advocate (1994-2025), Civil Pretrial Practice Advocate (2012-2020); National Board of Trial Advocacy, Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator since 2006 by the Tennessee Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission. Highest rating from Martindale-Hubbell for ethics and legal ability: AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating. Recognized annually since 2008 as a Super Lawyer in the Mid South and Corporate Counsel editions. 10.0 AVVO rating.
TRIAL & MEDIATION EXPERIENCE
Over 200 jury trials in over 80 of the 95 TN counties and in 28 of the state's 31 judicial districts. Countless scores of non-jury trials. Hundreds of mediations per year.