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As a youngster John Coletti wasn鈥檛 sure exactly what a trial attorney did, but he knew he wanted to be one. He liked the concept of a jury weighing facts in a courtroom, and Coletti was drawn by the job鈥檚 competitive nature.

鈥淚t was intriguing to me that it鈥檚 our 鈥榣ast battlefield鈥� and it鈥檚 where the community can watch disputes being resolved,鈥� he says.

Coletti earned his law degree from Willamette University in 1994 and is now a plaintiff鈥檚 trial lawyer and partner with Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys in Portland. He recently became just the third Oregon attorney to be inducted to The Inner Circle of Advocates for his professional accomplishments. Founded in 1972, the invitation-only group is made up of the 100 top plaintiff trial lawyers in the nation.

During a recent conversation with Briefly Legal, Coletti recalled his first case, shared the highs and lows of his work, and revealed his transformation into an Ironman when he leaves the office. His answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Briefly Legal: What do you remember most about your first case?聽

Coletti: I tried my first case in Clackamas County in front of Judge Sid Brockley and a friend of mine from law school was his clerk, so I was pretty confident that every screw up I made was being reported back in real time to my law school friends. I had this 鈥淎ha!鈥� moment, though, and I just felt very comfortable in the courtroom. It鈥檚 kind of a dying art, unfortunately, but those who try jury trials tend to really love it.

BL: What do you enjoy most about your work?

Coletti: Definitely the clients. These are people who have been hurt severely or are families who have lost a loved one through some kind of tragedy. To help them get through that is very rewarding. It鈥檚 also amazing to watch the jury. We hear so many criticisms about runaway juries, but I鈥檝e seen so many jurors who are incredibly smart and proud to have served.

BL: What鈥檚 the most difficult part?

Coletti: There are plenty of people who hate what I do for a living, and the insurance industry has done a brilliant job of vilifying lawyers and trying to prevent access to justice. That is very frustrating, but once the jurors size you up and realize you are there to help injured people, they look through all the smoke and mirrors.

BL: How does it feel to be part of The Inner Circle of Advocates?

Coletti: It鈥檚 a huge compliment. The group鈥檚 members are committed to their clients and to being better lawyers.

BL: How do you like to spend your free time?

Coletti: I have a daughter, Chloe, who is 9, and a 6-year-old son named Jack, and I like spending time with them. I鈥檓 also an avid triathlete and I compete in Ironman competitions to help with my training. It鈥檚 a long day, but it provides me with some clarity so I鈥檓 able to do my job better.