My journey to becoming a lawyer began in Clarksville, TN, a small town just outside of Nashville. Growing up, I was inspired by the high-flying heroes in movies like Top Gun, and I dreamt of becoming a fighter pilot. When my vision didn’t meet the requirements, I decided to serve my country in another way by enlisting in the United States Army as a military police officer. I served from 1988 to 1992, including during Operation Desert Storm, and had the honor of providing security for Vice President Dan Quayle and Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney in Seoul, South Korea.

After my military service, I found myself in Reno, Nevada, working security at the Eldorado Resort Hotel and Casino while pursuing my education at the University of Nevada-Reno (Go Wolf Pack!). There, I discovered a passion for sociology, earning a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Ethnic Studies. Although I initially aimed for a career with the CIA or FBI, my eyesight posed a hurdle once more, leading me to law school at Western State College of Law in Fullerton, California.

Straight out of law school, I dedicated myself to representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases. This field resonated with me because of my deep commitment to justice and my desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of advocating for clients who have endured unimaginable hardships. Their stories are etched in my memory—the mother who couldn’t bear to see her child take her last breath, the young man struck down by a negligent driver, the woman whose life changed in an instant on a work trip. These stories drive me to fight tirelessly for justice, ensuring that wrongdoers are held accountable and that my clients’ lives and losses are honored and respected.

My dedication to my clients extends beyond the courtroom. I have actively participated in organizations dedicated to protecting consumer rights and ensuring access to justice, serving as President of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association in 2016, and on the boards of the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) and the American Association for Justice (AAJ). My efforts have been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named a Southern California Super Lawyer every year since 2013 (a distinction awarded to just 5% of attorneys in California) and receiving the 2021 San Francisco Minority Bar Coalition’s Unity Award.

Practicing law is more than a job for me; it’s a calling. My life experiences—from military service to academia to the courtroom—have shaped who I am and my approach to the law. I am proud to bring a strategic yet empathetic approach to my practice, advocating fiercely for my clients while understanding the profound impact of their experiences. Being a lawyer is part of my soul, and I am honored to use my skills to bring justice to those who need it most.

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