My legal story begins with tragedy. At a young age, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of mesothelioma. My grandfather was a union insulator who died of the disease in 1980, and my uncle was a machinist who died of mesothelioma in the 1990s. Both men were authentic, hard-working, compassionate, and fiercely loyal to their families. The disease took everything from them, and it astounded me that it was completely preventable. After they passed, I devoted my life to helping families who fell victim to this terrible injustice.
Before attending law school, I worked for Local 7 Heat and Frost Insulators in Seattle, Washington. I spent nearly a year working at various shipyards and refineries. During this time, I worked alongside many tradespeople who experienced the calamitous effects of mesothelioma and asbestos disease. I enjoyed my time, developed connections with many members, and now I use the knowledge and skills I acquired to fight against companies that exploit innocent workers.
This isn’t just a job – it is my passion. Advocating for families is something deeply personal to me, and my clients become family. My bond with them is unique and profound. It allows me to advocate on their behalf zealously. I love spending time with my clients and learning about who they are. I’ve spent countless hours in my clients’ living rooms simply listening. I’ve learned a lot from each of my clients and cherish the valuable time I’ve spent with them; it keeps me going.
It takes tremendous courage for someone to file a lawsuit, especially against large corporations with unlimited resources. I’m proud to stand by my clients and fight for them while they’re undergoing severe health issues. I believe that my clients are effectuating real change by telling their stories — and their stories are worth hearing. Even though I can’t put myself in my clients’ shoes, I find solace in the fact that I do everything in my power to ensure justice prevails.