At Dean Omar Branham Shirley LLP, I represent individuals and families impacted by asbestos and talc exposure. I graduated cum laude from law school at age 51, bringing with me decades of leadership, problem-solving, and life experience. I use that perspective every day to help my clients navigate difficult circumstances and to hold corporations accountable for the harm they cause.
Before becoming a lawyer, I built a career defined by service, discipline, and accountability. I served in the U.S. military, worked as a civilian at the Pentagon, and managed complex litigation as a claims adjuster. Those experiences taught me how systems operate, how decisions at the top affect real people, and how critical it is to have someone willing to stand up when things go wrong.
My time in uniform—including combat deployments—taught me the value of preparation, teamwork, and persistence under pressure. At the Pentagon, I saw firsthand how integrity and accountability matter at every level. Later, as a claims adjuster, I witnessed how ordinary people can be overwhelmed by corporate power and legal complexity.
Those life experiences shaped who I am as an advocate. I know what it means to lead, to shoulder responsibility, and to stay calm when the stakes are high. Going to law school later in life gave me a different perspective than most new attorneys — one grounded in real-world experience and a deep respect for the people I serve.
At DOBS, I bring that same discipline and commitment to every case. Whether I’m preparing for trial or sitting across the table from a client, I approach my work with focus, respect, and purpose. The people we represent deserve nothing less.
