Family Law Attorney Profile

Antioch/East Contra Costa Family Law Attorney

Previous Employment Summary

Although I have been a sole practitioner since my admission to the Bar in 1977, with now a full 30 years of experience in Family Law practice, I believe that one of the things that sets me apart from other Family Law attorneys, and that enables me to work successfully with a broad range of clients, is the fact that I have long, varied, and eclectic work history and background prior to practicing law, including working while going to law school at night.

At various times, starting with my first employment at age 11, I have done bookkeeping, payroll, and general office work. I have also worked at a saw mill, I have been a truck driver, I have earned a living as a professional musician, I have gambled professionally, I have worked in the woods ("lumberjack"), and spent some years as a production manager for a small manufacturing corporation, I also, for some period of time, was a semi-professional drag racer.

Formal Educational History

Degree: Doctor of Jurisprudence
School: John F. Kennedy University
City: Pleasant Hill
State: CA
Year: 1977
Honors: Highest GPA, Valedictorian
Focus and Accomplishments: General Legal Education
Degree: Bachelor of Science
School: Pomona College
City: Claremont
State: CA
Year: 1962
Focus and Accomplishments: Combined Math/Physics Degree

Bar Admissions

Admitted to the California State Bar in December, 1977, Bar Number 78212

Other Court Admissions

All Courts in the State of California, Federal District Court for Northern California.

Association Memberships

California State Bar, California State Bar Family Law Section, Contra Costa County Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association.

Professional Organization Memberships

I have regularly participated, for many years, on the Custody Issues Committee, which meets monthly, interfacing with mental health professionals involved in child custody issues and related Family Law issues, as well as interfacing with Court staff and Family Court Services Mediators.

Example Cases

While ethical proprieties do not permit me to reveal specific case names, I have handled a wide variety of family law cases, over many years. I have been successful in obtaining enforcement of custody orders and obtaining law enforcement assistance in returning children who have been abducted to foreign jurisdictions. I have obtained many, many restraining orders, including those on an ex parte basis, for victims of domestic violence, both male and female. I have also obtained what my clients have regarded as favorable results in child custody disputes, and in cases involving issues of property valuation and distribution.

Activities and Awards

I have in the past, received awards and certifications for Pro Bono work from the Battered Women's Association and Contra Costa County Bar Association. I have served as Judge Pro Tem in the Family Law Court. I have served on numerous occasions as court-appointed counsel for minor children in disputed custody cases in the Family Law Courts.