Born and raised in Los Angeles, I grew up in the Brentwood area of West LA before heading north to attend Humboldt State University, where I studied sociology. That education planted the seeds for my eventual career in law — an interest in systems, people, and how justice plays out in real life.

After a year of exploring my next steps, I was accepted into law school and also met the love of my life. I proposed shortly after graduating (but before taking the bar exam — timing is everything), passed the bar, and started my legal career at a small law firm. Within a year, I had launched my own practice, which I’ve been running since 2000.

In 2012, I ran for Superior Court Judge. While I didn’t win the election, it led to an unexpected and rewarding chapter: serving as a judge pro tem across several courts and counties in Washington state. That role grew to become a near full-time commitment, one that I held through April 25, 2025.

Throughout my career — whether as a defense attorney, civil litigator, or judge — I’ve learned the power of discipline, listening, and storytelling. These days, I split my time between private practice and contributing to the broader legal community, whether through mentorship, speaking, or reflection on this blog.