I have practiced family law primarily since becoming a member of the Washington State Bar in 1992.  Prior to law school, I worked in law firms in San Francisco to get a feel for law and confirm that I wanted to become a lawyer.  I also volunteered at the San Francisco Bar Association's Legal Clinic for Battered Women from 1986 to 1987.  I went to law school in St. Paul, Minnesota, and later transferred to the University of Puget Sound Law School (now known as Seattle University).  While attending William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, I was a law clerk for Professor Christine Jones between April 1989 to June 1991.  I researched federal jurisdiction issues and prepared legal memoranda regarding parental kidnapping issues.  I also worked as an intern for the Hennepin County, Minnesota, Public Defender's Office between October 1989 and April 1990.  In June 1990, I began a summer internship with Judge LaJune Lange of the Fourth Judicial District.  In September 1990, I relocated to the Puget Sound and finished law school as a visiting student at UPS.  While completing my law school education, I worked as a legal assistant for a family law attorney in Seattle, and also worked as a contract law clerk in family law.  These experiences gave me the practical experience needed to open my own family law office fresh after law school. 

I opened my law office in November 1992 and initially practiced regularly in both Pierce County and King County.  I have continued to practice family law since that date.  In approximately 1994 to 1995, I taught two family law paralegal classes at Highline Community College in the ABA-approved paralegal program as an adjunct instructor of family law.

I am passionate about family law issues, because I am passionate about children and preserving and improving family relationships, which are challenged by family endings.  I also recognize the trauma of dealing with the end of a relationship on a personal and emotional level as well as financially.  It is tough for people going through family endings to realize that the chance for a better and new family beginning is on the other side of the pain they are currently experiencing.

I am a certified mediator, and member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Collaborative Professionals of Pierce County, and Collaborative Professionals of Washington.  As a collaborative family law attorney, I assist clients in resolving their family law issues in a respectful and responsible way outside of Court.  If collaborative resolution is not possible in a particular case, then I litigate the case and zealously advocate for my client in Court.

I offer an initial in-office consultation for $185; the first meeting is typically one to one-and-a-half hours long.  

You may contact me at  or.