My Background
I was drawn to the practice of law as a way to more effectively help others and try to make the world a better place.
In my prior work as a reporter and media producer I accomplished such things as helping to stop clear-cutting in a local watershed, helping to end a pilot project where the National Guard accompanied police on Drug Raids, helping to pre-empt a $1.3 billion pork barrel project, and authoring articles that earned me the title Public Enemy Number One of Big Business.
Prior to entering law school I spent nearly a decade doing legal support work, including as an investigator and clerk. I attended the highest ranked law school in the region at the University of Washington. While at law school I helped organize the Independent Media Center and the Legal Observer Program for the historic visit of the World Trade Organization. I've also written articles and reports on this that have been circulated around the world.
On the administrative front I was able to change the curriculum at UW Law School, establishing a class in law practice management. I also edited the University of Washington Law School Student Newspaper, The Docket.
I also was able to prevent the UW Police from acquiring military style M-16 rifles.
Academic Qualifications
University of Washington School of Law, top rated law school in Northwest, received Juris Doctor Degree
American Film Institute, School of the Motion Picture Academy, received Masters Degree,
California Institute of the Arts, Bachelors Degree,
New School for Social Research, Graduate Work in Psychology
UCLA & UC-Berkeley, SUNY-Purchase, and University of Bridgeport Additional Academics
Additional Legal Training
The Washington State Bar requires that lawyers take additional trainings. To handle the wider needs of a general practice I take many, many more trainings than I am required to. These include specialized trainings in civil procedure, criminal law and procedure, estate planning, family law, mediation, pre-trial practice, trial advocacy, trusts, wills.
I am also a graduate of the WSBA Young Lawyer's Division Trial Advocacy Program, and have been awarded the rank of Advocate by the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. I have also received a special certificate in mediation from University of Washington Law School.
Awards and Leadership Positions
Repeated recipient of the Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Service Commendation. I was also Awarded numerous scholarships in Law School, including The Public Interest Law Association, Graduated UW Law School with Full Tuition Scholarship.
Member - Washington Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member - Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
Past Board Member - Washington State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
Past Board Member - Washington State Bar Association Diversity Committee
Past Member - Washington State Bar Association Bar News Review Committee
Past Member - King County Bar Association Legislative Committee
Professional Ratings
I am rated on the website avvo.com.
