About

BACKGROUNDI began my career prosecuting criminal cases in an historic courthouse anchoring a sleepy, Southern town. Then, as a Marine Corps Judge Advocate, I defended service members in court-martial proceedings out of a spartan, block building aboard a California desert Marine base. Living and practicing in the majestic Pacific Northwest for over twenty years since then, the offices and scenery have improved dramatically.No matter the surroundings, though, the mission has remained the same: helping good people through difficult situations.My practice has evolved and expanded from criminal and civil litigation to include an emphasis on entertainment and intellectual property law for creative professionals, as well as business, real estate and contract law for Oregon businesses. My clients include artists, writers, producers and content creators in Oregon’s film and TV industry, as well as small business owners in multiple sectors, including those in the burgeoning Oregon cannabis industry.In my spare time, I stay active in the community as a youth and high school sports official, and as an adjunct instructor teaching law classes to paralegal students. Moreover, my love for the arts (my hobbies include writing, acting and photography) have pushed me towards service that benefits our arts community:  I've served as a board member of the Oregon Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, as well as the (legendary, but now sadly gone) Post5 Theatre.  I also founded and directed the FiLMLaB annual script-to-screen writing/filmmaking contest through the Willamette Writers organization.  He has offices in Portland and Lake Oswego.ASSOCIATIONSOregon Trial Lawyers AssociationOregon Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationCannabis Law Section, Oregon State BarIntellectual Property Section, Oregon State BarOregon Association of Collaborative ProfessionalsTEACHING/PRESENTATIONS“Business Entity Considerations for Non-Profits”, Oregon Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts“Writers’ Legal Toolkit” workshop series, Willamette Writers Conference“Lights, Camera, Lawsuit: Legal Tools for Film Production”, Oregon Media Production AssociationADMITTEDOregon (1996 - present)U.S. District of Oregon (2004 – present)Florida (1992 – 2001)COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTOregon Volunteer Lawyers for the ArtsPost5 Theatre CompanyWillamette Writers OrganizationSoul of Wit Theatre CompanyFiLMLaB script-to-screen film contest/productionsPortland Basketball Officials AssociationPortland Softball Umpires AssociationSMART (Start Making A Reader Today) volunteerYouth basketball/soccer/softball coach 

Practices Areas

Intellectual Property

Business

Language

English German

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