BACKGROUND
I began my career prosecuting criminal cases in an historic courthouse anchoring a sleepy, Southern town. Then, as a Marine Corps Judge Advocate, I defended service members in court-martial proceedings out of a spartan, block building aboard a California desert Marine base. Living and practicing in the majestic Pacific Northwest for over twenty years since then, the offices and scenery have improved dramatically.

No matter the surroundings, though, the mission has remained the same: helping good people through difficult situations.

My practice has evolved and expanded from criminal and civil litigation to include an emphasis on entertainment and intellectual property law for creative professionals, as well as business, real estate and contract law for Oregon businesses. My clients include artists, writers, producers and content creators in Oregon’s film and TV industry, as well as small business owners in multiple sectors, including those in the burgeoning Oregon cannabis industry.

In my spare time, I stay active in the community as a youth and high school sports official, and as an adjunct instructor teaching law classes to paralegal students. Moreover, my love for the arts (my hobbies include writing, acting and photography) have pushed me towards service that benefits our arts community:  I've served as a board member of the Oregon Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, as well as the (legendary, but now sadly gone) Post5 Theatre.  I also founded and directed the FiLMLaB annual script-to-screen writing/filmmaking contest through the Willamette Writers organization.  He has offices in Portland and Lake Oswego.

ASSOCIATIONS
Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Cannabis Law Section, Oregon State Bar
Intellectual Property Section, Oregon State Bar
Oregon Association of Collaborative Professionals

TEACHING/PRESENTATIONS
“Business Entity Considerations for Non-Profits”, Oregon Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
“Writers’ Legal Toolkit” workshop series, Willamette Writers Conference
“Lights, Camera, Lawsuit: Legal Tools for Film Production”, Oregon Media Production Association

ADMITTED
Oregon (1996 - present)
U.S. District of Oregon (2004 – present)
Florida (1992 – 2001)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Oregon Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
Post5 Theatre Company
Willamette Writers Organization

Soul of Wit Theatre Company

FiLMLaB script-to-screen film contest/productions

Portland Basketball Officials Association
Portland Softball Umpires Association

SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) volunteer

Youth basketball/soccer/softball coach