Tell us about your firm. When was it started and why?

I am a solo practitioner concentrating my law practice solely in the area of family law. Approximately one half of my practice consists of representing clients in family related disputes such as divorce, custody and parenting time disputes, grandparent custody actions, child support disputes, etc. The other half of my practice is assisting parties in resolving the same types of family law disputes through mediation or other form of alternative dispute resolution.

I have been practicing law in Stillwater for almost twenty years. Prior to starting my firm in January, 2010, I was a partner in a local law firm. In late 2009, I made the decision to simplify my life by opening my own firm. I was fortunate to have two of my staff make the change with me. We work well together and take great pride in providing our clients with quality and compassionate legal services while completely enjoying what we do.    

What are you working on right now? Anything big on the horizon?

Well, as a divorce lawyer if there is something big on the horizon for me, that means that there is a crisis in someone's life. So while it is always good to be busy, there is nothing big on the horizon and that is okay!

What's one thing most people don't know about your firm?

Because I have contact with so many different people when I act as a mediator, many people assume that I am no longer practicing law and do not represent individual clients. I do represent individual parties as much as I work as a neutral and greatly enjoy doing both.  

What's your favorite thing about being part of the Greater Stillwater community?

I have lived in the Stillwater area since 1984 and worked solely in the Valley since 1986. It is such a great community both for raising a family and to work in. The camaraderie within the Stillwater business community is incredible and I continue to be amazed when I meet people from all over the country who have heard of, know something about or have been to Stillwater. It is such a beautiful and historic community.  

What bit of wisdom can you share with other businesses in the area?

Make sure you love what you do or the product/service you provide.

How many people work at your firm?

In addition to myself, I have a paralegal, Tami Orput and a legal assistant, Mary Radke. Both Tami and Mary also live in Stillwater.