I was introduced to family law practice over twenty years ago when I took a job as a legal assistant in a small firm in California. In that role, I came to know clients well. I fielded their calls and listened to their stories and became the emotional bridge between them and our attorneys. I eventually decided to go to law school and took a non-traditional path, working full time at the family law firm and pouring every minute outside the office into study.
After passing the California bar in 2008, I practiced family law for eight years before relocating to Southwest Washington in 2016. There, I leaned into my passion for research and writing, pivoting into appellate, consumer-side bankruptcy work. These experiences broadened my understanding of the law and gave me a different perspective on the deeply human experiences that lawyers must navigate in the world of family law practice.
My dedicated to supporting families experiencing unique challenges led me towards family-based immigration work here in Washington. I continue to devote as much of my spare time as possible to pro bono work in this area. My early years as a family law attorney involved a great deal of work with people in the recovery community; helping people reintegrate into family life while struggling with addiction is close to my heart.
Philosophy
Years of family law work has given me critical insights into the impacts of the divorce process on families. I am an experienced litigator and fierce advocate for my clients. At the same time, I am the first to remind them that even in situations of the highest conflict, collaborative solutions are almost always the best road to resolution. My parents divorced when I was a toddler and shared custody of me throughout my childhood. I remember what it feels like as a child navigating the stormy waters that separated them. I keep that in mind every time I meet and represent a new client.
In my counsel, you will find a no-judgment zone where you can be assured of sound legal advice and nuanced practical guidance. I value honesty and compassion. Clients can trust that I will help them map out every possibility for resolution with thoughtful pragmatism.
Community is everything to me. I firmly believe it sustains us in times of uncertainty and helps us build the types of relationships that make the world a better place.
About Me
As a working mom of three kids (including two teenagers) I also bring real-world parenting experience to my practice. It is the hardest and most rewarding job in the world. I have immense respect for everyone out their doing their best at it. For me, it involves lots of driving at the weekends and trying my best to see the world through their eyes.
I love traveling and lived for five years in Ireland, where I eventually met my partner. I earned an Master of Arts Degree from the National University of Ireland, Galway, in Culture and Colonialism, nurturing my love for cross-cultural perspectives and critical thinking.
To unwind, you might find me running, reading, or trying to decorate the junkyard of joy that is my family home. I grew up in Southern California and graduated from UCLA, so while my history (and sports allegiances) are rooted there, my heart now resides in the Pacific Northwest.