A graduate of the University of Willamette's College of Law with 17 years of family law experience, Alan has always enjoyed helping people with a creative approach to problem solving. He relishes the challenge presented by family law disputes. He will not shy away from taking a case to court and knows that the best settlements happen when he is negotiating from a position of strength. He believes the key to success in a divorce with children is thinking a few moves ahead.
Alan says, "I am not an attack-dog. I honestly don't think such names fit because I play by the rules and try to treat opposing counsel with respect and courtesy. I encourage my clients to look at the broader picture and compromise when appropriate. On the other hand, if a reputation helps me win, I won't complain". But perhaps even more important than “winning,” he recognizes the impact his litigation strategy will have on the children involved. In most custody battles, strength is achieved by taking the high road. Because when it comes to parenting disputes, you can't “win” children. “Divorces and Separations are painful enough when everyone behaves. When a party lashes out, our courts can make sure the parties have a forum in which to fight, but we can help people fight smart.” he says. He believes it’s easy to sling mud, call names, and blame the other side. However, nearly all parents will eventually see they have shared goals for their children. More thought and energy is required to fight smart, disarm the other side, and ultimately convince the other side to support the mutual goals.
For Alan, success is not just winning or losing. "For me, when a client walks into my office with problems and walks out with solutions, I succeed. For my clients, when they have a workable Parenting Plan and the financial orders necessary to move forward with their lives, they succeed."
For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the supreme of excellence. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence."
- Sun Tzu
Ø Bar Admissions
- 1993 – California
- 1996 – Washington
Ø Education
- Willamette University College of Law (JD 1993);
- University of Washington (B.A. 1989)
Ø Professional Associations
- California Bar Association (1993 - present)
- Washington State Bar Association (1996 - present)
- American Bar Association (1997), King County Bar Association (1996 - present)
- Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, (WSTLA) (1996 - 2006)
- Certifications:
- King County Title 26 GAL training (2003)
- Certified on King County Title 26 GAL Registry (2004 - 2007)
Ø Volunteer work
- Eastside Legal Clinic volunteer attorney (1996 - 1999)
- Volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) - Title 26
- Arbitrator on King County Mandatory Arbitration panel
- Instructor: King County "How to Finish Your Divorce" class
Ø Professional Activities
- Member of Personal Injury Pattern Interrogatories Subcommittee of the King County Bar Association Judiciary and Courts Committee (2006)
- Member of Family Law Pattern Interrogatories Subcommittee of the King County Bar Association Judiciary and Courts Committee (2007)
- Member of Ad Hoc Family Law Local Rules Committee (2007)
- Member of Superior Court Children and Family Facilities Master Plan Working Group (2007); King County Local Rules Review Committee (2007)
Ø Presentations
- Working with Pro Se Litigants as Opposing Party at WSTLA Family Law & Criminal Law CLE (11/30/06)
- Evaluating the Evaluator; Preparation for and Deposition of the Parenting Evaluator at KCBA Family Law Section Hot Topics CLE (10/5/07)
- Advanced Family Law Practice for Paralegals; Drafting Child Support Orders and Worksheets (8/14/08)
- Financial Settlement Strategies for Your Divorce Clients; Getting A Divorce Case Off to the Right Foot (12/11/08)
- Parenting Disputes from A to Z: In the Best Interests of the Child. Ethical Considerations (3/3/2010)
Ø Board Activities
- Chairman of King County Bar Association Family Law Section (2009 - 2010)
- Vice-Chair of King County Bar Association Family Law Section (2008 - 2009)
- Secretary of King County Bar Association Family Law Section (2007 - 2008)
- Chairman of Washington State Trial Lawyers Family Law Section (2002 - 2003)
- Board of Directors Klahanie Homeowner's Association, Director (2000-2002)
