I grew up in Lakewood and am the son of working-class parents. I graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with high honors in 1981 and the Georgetown University Law Center with honors in 1984. After two judicial clerkships, I joined Gordon Thomas Honeywell, where I’ve practiced ever since.
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How do you define success as a lawyer?
I define success as a lawyer in many ways, including giving, without charging, your time so that those who can’t afford a lawyer can have access to the legal system. In addition, giving your money to support civil legal aid. These are two fundamental aspects of being a successful lawyer.
A successful lawyer is also a humble one. They realize that they are lucky to practice law and that they got to where they are because of the efforts of others, and not just their own.
A successful lawyer is also one who devotes time to making the legal profession better, who engages in mentoring, and throughout their career, never stops striving to be a better practitioner who represents their clients zealously and efficiently.
Lastly, a successful lawyer is one who knows how to disagree—without being disagreeable.
At the end of your career, how would you like to be remembered professionally?
I’d like to be remembered as a successful lawyer. One who gave back regularly and from the heart.
What is your best piece of advice for someone who’s just entered law school?
Work as hard as you can during your first year—the better your first-year grades are the more options you will have.
Find a healthy way to deal with stress—you will likely need to be able to cope with stress throughout your legal career.
Have family and friends who can commiserate with you during the tough times and share your joys during the good times—as in all of life—you will have both.
LIGHTNING ROUND
If you had to give a 10-minute presentation on one topic other than the law, what would it be and why?
I would talk about the importance of education and what people can do, without raising taxes, to help students succeed. Why? Because education opens the door to opportunity. I know I only get to do what I do because of the education I received.
What is your favorite smell?
The smell of a forest in the Pacific Northwest. The smell of Japanese beef curry cooking in my kitchen. Coffee.
What is your favorite word?
Yes.
What is your favorite podcast?
This American Life.
What is the one thing your colleagues may not know about you?
I was on my high school debate team. The night before my first debate, I got so nervous that I broke out in hives all over my body. (Interesting side note—at least to me—my high school debate partner was Clint Johnson, who is now a Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner.)
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