Looking back on more than 21 years of being a lawyer, I am reminded that I have been dedicated to this path since I was 8 years old. I told my aunt I was going to be a criminal defense lawyer and everything I have done since then has been toward that single goal. I am a full time lawyer, a part time judge and a mediator. Being a judge for more than 15 years has helped me be a better lawyer by giving me an understanding of what prosecutors and judges are looking for in a case and by giving me an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of our justice system from two perspectives. Being a mediator and arbitrator has made me a better attorney by giving me an opportunity to learn how to help people negotiate and reach agreements instead of having to be at the mercy of the system.
