Languages

• Spanish

Law Firm Overview

LEGAL COUNSEL

Accomplished legal specialist with advanced knowledge and practice of family law. Poised to contribute strong background as senior counsel with an established firm

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

• Energetic, team-focused family law attorney with more than 19 years of legal experience, including law-clerk, background and expertise in diverse areas of law.
• Motivated self-starter who assists and advises clients in dealing with the various emotionally charged aspects of their dissolution, annulment, legal separation, paternity and domestic violence cases.
• Accomplished contributor experienced in case management, factual investigation, case development/preparation, litigation, pre-litigation, case analysis, and client advisory matters.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communicator with a proven track record of forging relationships among peers and performing well both independently and as a team member.
• Skilled legal researcher who also excels at computer-based and non-computer-based legal, technical, and scientific research.

CASE STUDIES:

MARRIAGE OF GARCIA: While representing husband in Marital Dissolution Action, successfully defeated wife’s request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order based upon wife’s allegations of physical violence. Client denied that any physical violence occurred. Evidentiary hearing included introduction of documentary evidence, client testimony and cross-examination of wife on witness stand. Opposing counsel: Pat Tillman, Esq.

MARRIAGE OF WIPPICH: While representing wife in Marital Dissolution Action, successfully obtained Domestic Violence Restraining Order against husband based upon wife’s allegations of physical violence. Husband denied that physical violence occurred. Evidentiary hearing included introduction of documentary evidence, photographic evidence, client testimony and cross-examination of husband on witness stand. Opposing counsel: Robert Lewis, Esq.

PATERNITY OF SMITH: While representing mother in Paternity Action, successfully obtained Supervised Visitation Order against self-represented father based upon mother’s allegations of physical violence. Father denied that physical violence occurred. Evidentiary hearing included introduction of documentary evidence, photographic evidence, client testimony and cross-examination of father on witness stand. Requested and obtained arrest of father at conclusion of hearing due to father’s Failure to Appear at prior Child Support hearing.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law
• Dissolution of Marriage
• Legal Separation
• Paternity
• Child Custody
• Visitation
• Child Support
• Spousal Support
• Community Property
• Quasi-Community Property
• Domestic Violence
• Restraining Orders
• Interstate Custody Disputes
• Move Aways
• Personal Injury
• Workers’ Compensation
• General Business
• Contract Preparation and Negotiation
• Employment
• Insurance
• Real Estate
• Federal Court Experience

Pro Bono Activities

• Real Estate Agent and Broker, 1978 - 2000
• Fire & Casualty Broker - Agent/Life Agent, 1981 - 1999

Representative Cases

• Davis v. Harris, Department of Real Es, 61 Cal. App. 4th 507; 71 Cal. Rptr. 2nd 591 (1998)

West Practice Categories

Alternative Dispute Resolution, Business & Commercial Law, Contracts, Dissolution, Criminal Law, Employment Law -- Employee, Employment Law -- Employer, Estate Planning, Family Law, Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Divorce, Domestic Violence & Neglect, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Insurance Law, Federal Trial Practice, Personal Injury -- Plaintiff, Real Estate Law, Transportation Law, Workers' Compensation Law