History
When I grew up in Bellevue it was a much smaller town. Northup Way was a two lane road; Overlake Hospital was one floor. I did well in high school and had the good fortune to attend an excellent college and law school back East. I started practice in New York City with a construction law firm and then did part time legislative research for a city councilman. I wanted to move back here, and the sudden death of my father made the move necessary. I took two years off legal work to help my mother with the five acre "horse nursery" she and my father bought shortly before he died. I worked back into law by clerking for our general trial court in Seattle, then working with other attorneys on a variety of cases, and finally building my own practice gradually. I found that working with clients one-on-one was very satisfying.
In the last twenty years I gained significant probate experience through appointments in over 60 cases as a court investigator (guardian ad litem) in guardianship and conservatorship cases, and through protection of vulnerable adults and recovery of the assets of incapacitated people. I also gained family law experience on my own and with other attorneys, with the uncommon distinction of briefing several appeals published by our appellate courts. I am known by my colleagues as a thorough researcher and conscientious advocate. The cases that engage me the most involve clients who have been subjected to abuse or exploitation.
Get in touch
I know that finding the right attorney to represent you is a serious choice. That is why I offer up to 1/2 hour free initial consultation to discuss your problem and how we can work together.
Book an appointment by phone, email or the contact form on the home page
Education
BOSTON UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL
Juris Doctor, 1978
BROWN UNIVERSITY
B.A., German and English, 1974
UNIVERSITY OF FREIBURG, Freiburg, Germany
Foreign Study while working in Germany, 1973
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE OR KNOWLEDGE: Native American Probate; German
Activities & Affiliations
Washington State Bar Association
King County Bar Association, Family Law and Guardianship/Elder Law Sections
Rule IX Supervisor, Univ. of Washington Law School
WINGS Committee on Guardianship Reform
Bar Admissions
• Washington State, New York (former), Massachusetts (former)