Biography
I was born in Seattle, Washington in 1960 and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. After high school, I spent 4½ years as a Corpsman in the U.S. Navy. I spent several more years in the U.S. Navy Reserves during college until I earned a commission in the Army National Guard after surviving an exhausting year at the Oregon Military Academy. Before attending law school, I worked as a caseworker for the State of Oregon for ten years in Beaverton and Hillsboro.
Admitted to Practice: Oregon State Courts; U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
Memberships: Oregon State Bar Association, Washington County Bar Association, Oregon Women Lawyers Association
Law School: J.D., Willamette University College of Law, 2001. Associate Editor, Willamette Law Review, 1999 - 2001. Honors, Legal Research & Writing
Masters in Public Administration, Lewis & Clark College, 1999
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Willamette University, 1987
Chairs the regular meetings of the Consumer Law Section of the Debtor-Creditor Section of the Oregon State Bar Association
Philosophy
My first experience with an attorney was my own divorce a number of years ago, before I went to law school. I always felt rushed when I met with my attorney - like he had better things to do. He always seemed irritated if he had to spend too much time explaining things. And he charged me exorbitant fees for every little thing he did. I vowed that when I became an attorney, I would provide personal and affordable legal services and treat my clients the way I wish I had been treated. To that end, I can proudly say that I always do my best to provide my clients with the individual attention they require. I personally handle all legal matters from start to finish. I meet with clients as many times as needed to discuss and understand options. If bankruptcy is not the best option, I have a number of colleagues whom I regularly refer clients to for specialized help (tax/IRS matters, for example). Some clients find it difficult to come in to our office - elderly clients and single mothers of small children - so I often meet with them in their homes. There is never an extra charge for personal attention. One flat fee - no matter what comes up! That's the way it should be and that's the way it is at our office!
Words from Our Clients
"Thank you for everything! Seriously. You were wonderful to work with. I feel so relieved too - I feel I can start over financially, work on saving money, form good habits, without the gigantic burden of debt. -K (March 2011)"
"Thanks so much for all your guidance during the bankruptcy process, we were happy to receive the discharge and look forward to moving ahead. -B&M (June 2011)"
"Thank you for being my lawyer for my bankruptcy case. Thank you for being patient with me in the fact that it took so long to finish it. If anyone I know needs your services, I will steer them your way. -M (June 2011)"
CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT: (503) 309-1134
Office Hours: Monday through Friday by appointment at both offices