Practice Areas
Real Property, Land Use, Environmental Law, Construction Law
Education
- JD: Seattle University School of Law, magna cum laude, 2010
- BA: University of Washington, double major in comparative religion and communications, 1999
Community Involvement
- Board Member, Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center
- Executive Committee Member, Congregation Beth Shalom
- Cross-Country Ski Committee Member, Mountaineers
- Committee Member, Air and Waste Management Association’s Pacific Northwest International Section
- Board Member, Northwest Furniture Bank
- Committee Member, NAIOP South Sound Committee
What are you most proud of professionally?
My areas of practice are highly technical – both legally and scientifically. I review and strategically utilize scientific data, assist with the development of site cleanup plans or development plans, coordinate insurance coverage issues, interpret and apply state and local laws and regulations as well as decisions by our courts and administrative bodies, and collaborate with third parties, stakeholders, and regulatory enforcement agencies.
My practice area also involves a huge amount of what I call the “human element.” Land is vitally important to people, whether they’re developers with a significant amount of money riding on a project or homeowners facing property contamination or title issues. I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction out of clarifying the complicated rules governing a project and helping people understand how they apply and what they mean. I explain the rules of the game and put people in a position of strength, so they have the tools to make smart choices.
As an attorney, what makes you stand out?
I take the time to understand what my client's goals are before launching into the solution-building phase of my representation. I also take the time to understand what their fears are. These are such simple questions, but they can entirely change the direction of representation, which can have significant impacts on cost and outcomes. Communication also is vital to relationship-building, which is another key to success.