I was born and raised in Seattle and graduated from Roosevelt High and the University of
Washington but chose Kitsap as the best place to raise a family and practice law. My
first job at age 14 was washing dishes at the UW. I moved up to potato peeler at Spud
Fish and Chips and while in high school landed a job as an apprentice scenery builder at
the Seattle Repertory Theater. This led to a journeyman membership the International
Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local #15. Rather than being drafted, I chose to
serve in the Navy and was trained as an Electrician and a Salvage Diver. Returning to
my work with Local #15, I also served on the Executive Board and as Business
Representative and President. I decided to use my GI Bill benefits to go to college and
law school. I graduated from The Northwestern School of Law in 1983. After
graduating I continued my work with Local #15 as their President until wife and children
necessitated me going into practice as a lawyer. My years with the rank and file made
Representing workers a natural for me. That was 1991, 30 years ago. I proudly maintain
my journeyman status with the Local and proudly continue to represent injured workers.
Helping workers navigate a twisted system while keeping their dignity is what I do best. I
will continue to stand with and for my working brothers and sisters and am proud to wear
my jeans to work.