Born in Spanish Harlem, I originally wanted to be a weatherman. But as I grew into adulthood and after my family moved further north in Manhattan into a drug-infested area of Harlem's Washington Heights, I began to realize how difficult life was for so many of those around me. In college I learned how laws are created, and also how many of them are misused. I was appalled at the level of discrimination and oppression that was sanctioned by courts and ignored by lawmakers. My personal experience in being repeatedly stopped by police for no apparent reason when driving home from work at night galvanized my conviction to do whatever it took to go to law school and become a lawyer. I knew that I wanted to use my skills primarily to give ordinary people a chance at justice. I wanted to be a legal pioneer.

After earning my B.A. in political science from Fordham University in 1976, I went on to law school. I received my Juris Doctor from the University of California at Berkeley School of Law in 1980 and was admitted to the California Bar that year. I worked from 1981 to 1984 as co-counsel on numerous cases with the legendary Howard Moore Jr., known throughout the country as the leading scholar on issues of individual liberty.

I've been serving the greater San Francisco Bay Area since starting my private practice in 1984 and expanded my practice to Washington upon admission to the Washington State Bar in 2000. After 35 years in the practice and continuing study of law and advocating for the rights of others, I now wish to focus on areas where I believe I can do the most good.