About

A mentor once told me that when you start law school, you do not realize that many of the clients you will serve are coming to see you at the lowest point in their lives. That has proven to be sage advice. I have served clients who are charged with a crime, who have just experienced the loss of a loved one, and who are going through a divorce or separation. I have had the opportunity to help clients through happier times as well, such as adoptions, and sometimes my work involves trying to avoid problems in the future, such as estate planning. But overall, I understand that most often clients are coming to see me in times of crisis. A figurative “earthquake” has happened in their lives, and I strive to guide my clients through the recovery process by serving as a zealous and objective legal advocate and counselor. Family Law is a passion for me. I started my career at a law firm which exclusively handled domestic relations work. Since then, I have moved to a general practice law firm which has been established in Pierce County for more than 60 years. This gives me the opportunity to work with other cases outside of Family Law, but I still devote approximately 80% of my practice to domestic relations cases. I love the interaction with people that Family Law brings and the challenge of problem solving it entails. Serving as a Pro Tem Commissioner in the Pierce County Superior Court for four or five days, and sometimes more, each year during the last four years has broadened my perspective and helps me give my clients seasoned advice since I have seen many cases from the "other side" of the bench. This helps provide advice on probable outcomes should they go to court. While virtually all cases involve some sort of court appearance by the attorney, most Family Law cases settle without a full contested trial. I work very hard with clients and opposing counsel or parties to resolve their cases short of trial. The clients often benefit by keeping their fees lower and controlling the outcome of their case. I strive to make sure my client is fully educated about their options and there are those cases which cannot settle and strategic advocacy is required all the way through trial. I enjoy being in the courtroom and am happy to roll up my sleeves and provide you with a spirited representation at trial and even on appeal if necessary. I have tried many cases over the years at the Superior Court level, and have handled several cases in the Court of Appeals. I have successfully defended positive and overturned negative outcomes from trial on Appeal. It is also a pleasure to handle certain cases outside of the Family Law context. I feel it to be a great compliment when clients I have helped in a domestic case return and ask me to assist them in another area of law, providing services which could range from, among other things, preparing a will, defending them in a civil suit, or drawing up real estate agreements. I appreciate the opportunity to serve clients with a wide range of legal needs, and I value the trust they place in my counsel and representation. I look forward to continuing to provide compassionate and vigorous advocacy for many years to come.

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