Legal/Judicial Experience: JudgePro Tempore, King County District Court; Partner, McDermott Newman, PLLC (civil practice); Public Defender, Lakewood Municipal Court; Adjunct Professor, Seattle University School of Law; Program Director, National Institute for Trial Advocacy.
Other Professional Experience: Veteran, United States Air Force/Washington Air National Guard; Juvenile Detention Officer, Pierce County Juvenile Court.
Education: University of Washington, B.A.; Seattle University School of Law, J.D.
Community Service: Volunteer Attorney,El Centro de la Raza; Board Member, Rotary Boys and Girls Club; Member, Rotary Club of Seattle; Volunteer, YWCA/CCS women's shelters; Membership Chair, Dwyer Inn of Court; Former Board Member, Admiral Cooperative Preschool.
Statement: The King County Bar Association rates me “Exceptionally Well Qualified,” and I am the only candidate with a current trial practice and current judicial experience.
I am a career trial attorney who has spent the last three years as a judge pro tempore, handling both criminal and civil cases. I am a nationally recognized trial instructor, having taught advocacy at Seattle University Law, Emory Law, and numerous programs for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy.
As a women's shelter volunteer and a judge who presides over domestic violence and protection order cases, I am committed to protecting vulnerable women in our community. As a veteran and son of a career soldier, I understand the unique challenges veterans and their families face and am committed to addressing them. As a former juvenile detention officer, I am sensitive to the needs of at-risk youth and dedicated to addressing racial inequalities in the justice system.
Endorsements: King County Labor Council, King County Democrats, 5th, 30th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd, 34th, 36th, 37th, 39th, 46th, 48th Democrats, KC Young Democrats, Executive Constantine, Former Attorney General McKenna, Councilmember McDermott, Councilmember Gonzalez, Senator Habib, 125+ lawyers, and 30+ judges, including Justices Gonzalez and Ireland.