Portraits of Leadership: Notable Americans Who Shaped Democracy

My book introduces readers to American legal and political history through biographies of eighteen attorneys who made significant contributions to American democracy as Senators, Secretaries of State, Supreme Court Justices, or Presidents. These attorneys span the political spectrum from conservative Alexander Hamilton to liberal Ruth Bader Ginsburg, but each helped America grow and prosper.
The United States grew from a weak confederation of states into a wealthy and powerful nation under our Constitutional form of government. However, America's success was not assured when the founding fathers met in Philadelphia to plan a new government. Modern America developed because the dynamic energy and creative intellect of Americans were guided by the enlightened leadership of talented leaders. The attorneys I describe applied their considerable talents during critical periods in American history to shape our Constitutional form of government, resolve the issues of slavery, preserve the Union, protect civil rights, and heal tribal divisions.
I have always loved to write, even as a child. During my tenure at the University of California Berkeley, I planned to study medicine but found psychology to be my passion. My career has been in the fields of psychology and the law. For many years I was a psychology professor at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and later at the University of California San Diego. While a professor, I authored several textbooks and research articles. During a transition period, I was a clinical psychologist for the U.S. Army and was assigned to Frankfort, Germany. My family and I enjoyed the opportunity to experience European culture while becoming friends with our German neighbors and visiting so many places during our stay. My daughter has often commented on how much she learned and saw during those years overseas.
I decided to pursue a second career and attended Duke University School of Law. While in law school, I chose to specialize in Family Law and Estate Planning (wills and trusts). While I'm originally from California, I wanted to live in San Antonio, Texas, which has proven to be a wonderful choice: warm sunny winters, vibrant city life with Old World charm and great food. When I came to San Antonio, I was with a group law practice in family law and served as an expert witness in various litigated divorces. In the mid-1990s, the Texas Family Law Code changed allowing for collaborative divorces. As a psychol