I’m a younger older attorney who loves living and practicing family formation law in Portland, Oregon. After 44+ years as an Oregon attorney helping build legally secure families, I’m shifting gears (but not fully retiring). I plan to accept a limited number of gestational surrogacy contract and parentage cases. My other focus will be on the implementation of Oregon’s new surrogacy law. Helping write and lobby for the successful passage of SB 163 has been a highlight of my career.
I’ve been an Oregon attorney since 1981, focusing on family formation/surrogacy law. Serving as a Pro Tem Judge for 19 years taught me a great deal about perspective and listening. I have helped develop policy, write legislation, and lobby for the successful passage of Oregon’s Open Adoption Records (2013), the un-gendering of Oregon’s parentage laws (2017), and SB 163 (2025 – parentage and ART/surrogacy).
Why did I become an attorney? My goal was to make a difference in my small part of the world. All these years later, I’m proud to say I’ve done that. Through my representation of all kinds of families and my legislative work, I’ve helped create more legally secure families. It’s been an honor, a privilege, and a delight to see parents with their children. I’ve been one lucky attorney!
On a more personal note, I treasure time with family and friends, love to travel, and look forward to daily walks with Groot, our adorable labradoodle.
