I grew up on a farm north of Havre, Montana and attended the University of Montana for undergraduate studies.  In 1987, I graduated with a High Honors Degree in Political Science and high honors minors in History and Economics.  I then matriculated to the law school at the University of Montana and graduated with Honors in 1990 with my juris doctorate in law.  While in law school, I was an associate editor of the Montana Law Review and my article on comparative negligence was published in 1990.  I was also a member of the Law School Negotiation Team for two years and represented the law school in regional and national competitions.  I started my practice out of law school and have been successfully practicing law since the age of 25.  I have focused my practice on primarily personal injury and commercial litigation for the last fifteen years.  I think the fact that I like to help people makes the practice of law ideal as a career choice.