LEGAL PRACTICE
My Philosophy
As a lawyer I strive to take fewer cases and work them harder.
In the many dozens of criminal cases I have completed this has resulted in a higher dismissal rate than most attorneys, with far fewer cases going to trial. When I do go to trial I usually win, having not lost a trial in many years.
Many cases can be solved without the need and expense of litigation. While no result in a legal proceeding can ever be guaranteed, my background (including specialized training in mediation) allows me to resolve many issues quickly without the time and expense of litigation. I have resolved many disputes, including criminal, consumer, real estate and employment matters with a few letters and or phone calls. But if we are forced to litigate my many years of experience as a researcher and investigator gives me an advantage over most lawyers.
Resources
I don’t have fancy furniture. I don’t have an expensive office. I don’t have staff racking up hours on minor matters.I have what I need to practice law and do it well. I have an electronic library that includes 4,000 treatises with forms in more than fifty distinct areas of law and am versed in many Practice Areas. I am a member of numerous practice groups and trade information with countless other lawyers, giving me a brain trust comparable to the largest of firms. I am constantly increasing my fields of knowledge and have more than three times the supplemental training required by the State Bar. I also bring a unique blend of applicable experience from my other careers including investigative reporting, psychology and media production.
As your Lawyer
As your lawyer, I strive to keep you informed of all stages of the proceeding. My experience as an educator and reporter allow me to simplify complex concepts so that they are more easily understood.Representation: Complete or A la Carte
Sometimes you need a lawyer to help you with the complete matter. Sometimes you just need a lawyer to help you with a portion of what you are doing. Washington Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 1.2(c) allows lawyers to undertake limited representation. When feasible we can work together so that you can select the services you need.Initial Consultations
The initial consultation is when we decide if we want to work together for what may be a very long time. It is important that we know we have a good fit. Consequently initial consultations are done on a Sliding Scale.Association with Other Counsel
As someone with many unique skills, I am available to associate with other counsel. If you are interested in bringing me into a case please contact me at my office.Practice Areas
Overview
As a General Practitioner I work and aspire to serve my community by providing good quality and affordable legal services in a variety of areas, much like the family doctor of old. I went to a public law school, got scholarships and avoided wracking up outrageous debt, so I’m not in hock to anyone.I am set up to handle many areas of law. This includes helping others get through difficult periods in their lives, and it includes helping others achieve their desired goals. Because of my background in civil liberties and the arts, this includes some fairly unique areas of practice. These are some of the areas I’ve successfully practiced:
Arts & Media Law
I am one of the few lawyers in this state who is formally educated in media and the arts, who has exhibited video, film and art, who has worked and taught on a college level in these field. and who has served on the Boards of such organizations. I can offer unique expertise, perspective and guidance.Business Law
There are lots of choices in terms of how you structure your small business, or choose to sell it. I can help you navigate these and keep within a workable budget.Collections from other Attorneys & Support for Experts
Surprisingly many of the Experts who work for Attorneys, have difficulty getting their fees. Some Attorneys even will disclose an Expert to Opposing Counsel, getting the benefit of the Expert’s Services in reaching Settlement, without ever paying the Expert their Earnings. I’ve successfully persuaded attorneys from small practitioners, to partners in large firms, that it’s in their interest to pay the Expert.Criminal Law
It is terrifying to be charged with a crime. We’re taught this only happens to “bad” people. Your first impulse is to explain your side. Unfortunately this is what the police and prosecutors are trained to exploit. If you are not careful, you may give up your rights, without even knowing it. Issues such as how evidence was obtained and what was your intent when an alleged incident happened can control how a case proceeds, or whether you are even charged. As an attorney I have repeatedly helped clients make it through this maze and get their lives back.Employment Law
Unfortunately the United States is not a right to work state. It does however have a body of law that may grant you protection or compensation if you are subjected to harassing behavior or terminated from your job. Documentation, and knowing what to document are crucial to establishing a claim. I can help you figure out your best option.Estate Planning
As simple and straightforward as Wills are, most of the people in this Country do not have a Will. While it is uncomfortable to think about one’s mortality, failure to plan adequately can result in complications, even horrendous ordeals for those you leave behind. I work to help my clients find the options that best suit their special situation.Family Law
Nothing can be as excruciating as the loss of a family and the hopes, dreams that go with it. Emotions run high. This is exactly he time you need a cool head to help you sort through things. My job as attorney is to help you get through this as cleanly and simply as possible.Free Speech & Political Demonstrations Support
Free Speech is the foundation of our rights as citizens. I have years of unique experience negotiating and facilitating the rights of demonstrators, including obtaining permits, negotiating arrangements, and preventing unwanted arrests.Identity Theft
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country, and its effects can be devastating. Even after you’ve done the necessary steps of reporting the crime to all the necessary agencies, the wheels of bureaucracy can turn slowly. This can hurt you. I’ve been able to expedite this process and get my clients’ lives back on track.Mediation
Sometimes the solution to your problem isn’t litigation, which leaves most of the prevailing parties dissatisfied with the result. I’m trained as both a mediator and a litigator, and I’ve helped disparate parties come to resolution much more quickly and less expensively than litigation makes possible.Medical Marijuana
With the overwhelming passage of Initiative 692 it is now state law that persons with HIV disease, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, spasticity disorders, and intractable pain are considered “qualified patients”. Physicians may now authorize the use of medical marijuana for such patients.Despite this qualified users are often subject to arrest and worse. I have helped clients get through these attacks, often without litigation.