I began my legal career in 1973, as an investigator for the in-house law firm of a well-known non-profit organization. I managed invesitgations for complex civil, criminal and administrative litigation for 15 years. I managed a team of over 20 investigators working on cases around the US. In 1978, I was licensed as a Private Investigator by the State of California.

I became a lawyer in 1987 and practiced law in State and Federal court in the San Joaquin Valley focusing on criminal defense, civil rights, property disputes, environmental, and administrative law. In addition, I had an active appellate practice. 

Here are a few highlights from my career:

• A "Life" verdict in the penalty phase of a death penalty case;
• Successfully defending in multiple state and federal courts and the IRS what was alleged to be the largest bookmaking ring in the State of California;
• Successfully representing licensed snake breeders throughout the state in criminal litgation and subsequent civil case against the State of California Department of Fish & Game;
• Successfully settling the first civil rights case for police brutality against a Tulare County police department; 
• Bringing the first case against a law enforcement agency in California for wrongful death involving the use of pepper spray and illegal restraint;
• Establishing the rights of Mentally Disordered Offenders in trials to determine whether they should be held during their parole (published appellate opinions);
• Bringing a CERCLA (environmental) action on behalf of a bank and successfully negotiating the cleanup a circuit board manufacturing facility.

In 1998, I began working for an integrated marketing and communicaitons company, advising on legal matters, including multiple acquisitions. In 2000, I founded a marketing and communications company focused on healthcare.

My current practice is 2-fold: 

1. Appellate services for law firms and individuals and
2. Development of litigation strategies and tactics for law firms, including preparation and execution of discovery plans, investigations, and depositions. 

I also conduct MCLE courses on substance abuse and offer personal counseling and coaching on addiction and recovery to lawyers, judges and others in the legal profession.