- B.A., Virginia Military Institute
- J.D., University of Chicago Law School
I first became interested in law during my service as an officer in the U.S. Army Military Police. To my surprise, I found the legal aspects of training and operations even more engaging than I expected. After completing my four-year obligation, I transitioned from military service to law school at the University of Chicago.
I began my legal career in criminal law as a prosecutor with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, but I soon shifted my focus to labor and employment law. Given my experience as a unit personnel officer in the Army, both on active duty and in the reserves, it felt like a natural fit. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to represent both businesses and individuals across a range of industries, including hospitality, healthcare, and transportation.
I have proudly called San Diego home for the past 20 years. Outside of the office, I enjoy sailing, traveling, and staying active.
California has enacted a new law that bans “stay-or-pay” agreements — arrangements that require employees to pay money back if they leave their job before a certain time. These agreements are frequently used in relation to paid-for training and hiring bonuses.