Legal Experience

I have been practicing law since 1980.

I began my legal career first as an associate, and later a partner, in a small law firm in the St. John’s District of Portland, Oregon.  In 1983 I opened my own office in Tigard, Oregon.  In 1993 I moved my practice to Wilsonville, Oregon, where it is today.  My clients have come from all over Oregon (and, sometimes, from out of state) and I have handled legal matters in just about every county in Oregon.

The main areas in which I practice  are  Real Estate Law, Business and Commercial Law, and Non-profit Law.  I also draft wills and trust, and handle probate and other general legal matters. 

During the course of my legal career,  I have advised my clients on matters from a wide range of legal areas including: Consumer Law, Tort Law (personal injury,  negligence, fraud, defamation, etc.), Debtor-Creditor Law, Indian Law, Art Law, Intellectual Property Law, Bankruptcy Law, Criminal Law, Civil Rights Law, Employment Law, Land Use Law, Family Law and Entertainment Law.  I have also litigated and appealed cases in both state and federal courts, as well as state and federal administrative agencies, and I have handled numerous mediations and arbitrations.

I like being a sole practitioner because it allows me to practice law the way I want to.  My intention from the beginning was to make quality legal services available to more people.  Over these many years, it has been my pleasure to provide my clients with the same high quality legal service that the large law firms provide but at a much lower cost.  I know for sure that my clients appreciate that.  They also appreciate having ready access to me, and knowing that I will treat them fairly and honestly.

My thirty years  as an attorney have given me a broad base of experience and, I believe, a deep knowledge of how the legal system works. Because my clients are usually on tight budgets, I have developed a common sense understanding of how to interact with that system to provide the most benefit to my clients at the lowest cost and with the least hassle.  As a matter of personal and professional integrity, I always place my client’s interests first, including their pocket books, and strive to solve their legal issues quickly and efficiently.

Community Involvement

I strongly believe that I have a civic duty, as a citizen and a human being, to participate in the affairs of my community, and to contribute what I can to its betterment.  I have a long history, predating my legal career by many years, of involvement in non-profit organizations.  Since I started practicing law, I have also served on many boards and commissions in my local community.  A partial list follows.   I have been enriched by these experiences, and the knowledge I have gained, has contributed greatly to my ability to practice law effectively.

Wilsonville Representative to Stakeholder’s Working Group of the 1-5/99W Corridor Study, 2006 - 2009
Board of Directors - Theatre As Medicine, an Oregon non-profit educational corporation, 2000 - 2004
Board of Directors - Advanced Modems In Healing, an Oregon non-profit educational corporation, 2000 -2001
President and Board Member - Earth and Spirit Council, an Oregon non-profit educational corporation 1997-2000
Chairman and Member - City of Wilsonville’s Development Review Board, 1997-1999
Member - City of Wilsonville’s Transportation Advisory Committee, 1994-1997
Co-founder and Board Member - Turtle Cove Community Trust, an Oregon non-profit educational corporation 1995
Member - City of Tigard Utilities and Franchise/Solid Waste Advisory Committee
Chairman - City of Tigard Transportation Advisory Committee, 1985-87
President and board member- Tigard/Tualatin Community Youth Services, 1986-88
Coordinator- 1985-86 Tigard Leadership Seminar
Participant- 1984-85 Tigard Leadership Seminar
Steering Committee and Tigard Chamber of Commerce Representative to the “I-5 Corridor” Association, Member of Transportation Committee, 1985-86
Washington County Citizens Representative to the Southwest Corridor Study, Citizen Advisory Committee, 1986-87
Tigard Chamber of Commerce, Public Affairs Committee, 1985-86
President and Director- Milk and Honey Non-Profit Food Store, Inc. a Consumer Cooperative, 1978-81
Member- Portland Area Food Systems Group
Steering Committee- Provender Alliance (of Natural Food Stores)