Results-oriented, client-driven Attorney with vast experience in successfully coordinating legal operations focused on driving client satisfaction. Skilled in working with people at all levels using a proven approach to problem solving and relationship building. Leverage people management skills to lead performance and drive staff in both individual and team environments. Quick learner with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment both independently and with a team. Eager to continue a successful career as a leader; targeting judicial roles with the DSHS and the State of Washington to allow for continued leverage of skills.

Legal Practice Litigation Family & Adoption Law Client Advisement Negotiations Contract Processes Depositions

Oral Argument Preparation Interpersonal Communication Microsoft Excel, Word Supervision Organizational Skills

Problem Solving Process Improvement Regulatory Compliance Relationship Building Reporting & Documentation

Strategic Planning & Analysis Teamwork Employment & HR Jury Trial Motion Practice & Selection Trial Processes

         Engage in family law litigation at all phases from filing until trial, including detailed motion preparation processes

         Place an emphasis on negotiation tactics used to abide by local Superior Court rules on mediation and settlement conferences

         Navigate the CAPTA process for dependency clients including investigation notice, finding and appeal hearings

         Worked as an Adoption Lawyer from petition filing through presenting the adoption for order in court; complete for both private and state-referred clients

         Authored content on the WSBA-approved CLE on Title 26 GALs versus Title 13 GALs/CASAs; deliver related presentations

         Focused on child welfare cases with an OPD Parent Representative in the Stevens and Ferry Counties of WA

         Handled all practice elements e.g. shelter care, dependency fact-finding and disposition

         Carefully reviewed hearings and trials regarding the termination of parental rights

         Successful in securing prevailing results in contested terminations of parental rights

         Represented all parties including families, minors/children and non-minor children of dependent parents

         Represented clients in CAPTA hearings; also attended CPT meetings and FTDMs both with and for clients

         Offered client advice and negotiated with the Assistant Attorney General and the CASA Director in Stevens County, as well as the County Prosecutor in Ferry County specific to child welfare matters

         Called on other family law resources including third-party custody and parenting plans

         Founded Spokane Area Bars and Restaurants (S.A.B.R.), a nonprofit 501C (3) corporation established to develop sound partnerships with the City of Spokane in order to create and modify applicable ordinances

         Worked with the City Attorney of Spokane to draft and deliver adoptions and WAC Title 4 to the Spokane City Council

         Negotiated and authored intricate contracts specific to commercial real estate and zoning

         Contributed to the operations of a child welfare and family law practice

         Fielded periodic assignments in other legal areas as needed within a general practice firm which included trial practice for implied warranties cases

         Operated a trial and appellate practice including experience in the WA State Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Division III, Superior Court of Spokane County, Superior Court of Okanogan County, along with Spokane Municipal and District Court

         Appealed in the WA State Supreme Court; triumphed with an 8-1 majority

         Prepared briefs, motions and memoranda; accelerated review motions and supporting documents

         Successfully argued multiple post-appellate motions made by the opposing party

         Gained extensive oral deposition and written discovery experience, e.g. propounding and defending

         Prepared motions and selected jury members to continue litigating cases until procurement of a final judgment

         Also developed interrogatories, admissions or denials, both in composition and in reply

         Worked extensively in the area of contract law, including non-compete agreements, employee/employer compliance matters and employment contracts

         Gained comprehensive experience in dissolution and division of property for same sex couples; called heavily on evolving legal theories surrounding meretricious/marriage-like relationships

         Integrated the equity theories of quantum meruit, unjust enrichment and promissory estoppel

         Also became well-versed in property law, including easements, recordings and executions of real estate purchase, sales agreements, commercial leases and compliance matters

         Prepared wills, living wills and various Power of Attorneys as needed

Contract Attorney, Law Office of Daniel E. Becnel, Jr, 2002-2003

Summer Law Clerk, Office of the Public Defender-San Diego, 2001

Extern, Chambers of the Honorable Magistrate Judge John A. Houston, 2001

Intern, Office of the Public Defender-San Diego, 1999-2001

Logistics Technician, United States Air Force, 1985-1996

Juris Doctor, Thomas Jefferson School of Law

Fellowship, Center for Social Justice

Russian Emersion Program, University of Pittsburgh

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, University of Delaware

Admitted to practice law in the State of Washington, WSBA # 33294

Airman of the Month, Airman of the Quarter Wing Airman of the Quarter Base Airman of the Quarter Commendation Medal

Achievement Medal Defense Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal John Levitow Leadership Award Academic Award in R.O.T.C. Academic Award for Logistics Training School Outstanding Performance Inspector General Visit

Member of the Base of the Year (Minot Air Force Base)

Volunteer and Mentor at Local Church

Coach of the Local Youth Soccer Team

Former Secretary, Veterans Affairs Association

Former Board of Directors, Tom Homann Law Association

Former Vice President-Board of Directors, Center Stage, A Community Theatre