I am a Partner who joined Cedar Law PLLC in Seattle, WA in 2021. I jumped at the chance to return to a practice dedicated to serving and supporting children, families and others in the education and school settings. I support students and parents in all aspects of education law - advice and counsel, advocacy and litigation regarding civil rights/discrimination, torts, discipline, education records, and special education. I have also assisted employees in addressing education-related employment matters. Further, I offer advice and counsel to charter schools, non-public agencies/non-public schools, and the like in various administrative and other matters that they might face.

Provided counsel to elected officials and city departments regarding general government matters, including drafting and interpreting local legislation, open meeting laws advice, and contract preparation and review. Served as parliamentarian at city council and committee meetings. Advised on agreements with federal, state and local entities, as well as others. Supported the local business tax board. Assigned to support the city's deferred compensation (retirement) committee. More specifically, the foregoing included, but was not limited to, monitoring the city's compliance with state and local laws regarding city council and committee meetings; preparing and reviewing city resolutions and ordinances; drafting and analyzing contracts for the acceptance and dissemination of federal, state and local funds, including via contracts with subcontractors, to support city services to the public; supporting city work to address homelessness, Head Start, and other issues; advising the business tax board of review in considering and issuing rulings on appeals; evaluating the applicability and scope of the local and small local business enterprise program; and supported city's deferred compensation (retirement) committee.

Served as OUSD’s designated in-house counsel in state and federal litigation up to and including trial involving civil rights, employment discrimination and personal injury matters, among others. Conducted and coordinated pretrial discovery, pretrial motions, legal briefs and develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for trial. Engaged in formal and informal settlement negotiations pertaining to pending litigation and prepared settlement agreements and recommendations for OUSD Board review. Managed outside counsel retained to represent OUSD in litigation matters. Drafted and reviewed contracts, MOUs, and requests for proposals. Interpreted and provided advice on laws, rulings, and regulations. Evaluated and responded to regulatory (e.g., EEOC, DFEH) complaints. Advised and counseled OUSD's police department, as well as its student disciplinary hearing panel.

Represented numerous school districts and municipalities in all facets of discovery and pre-trial proceedings. Evaluated public entity exposure and liability, Government Claims Presentation Act, and governmental immunities. Conducted depositions of both children and adults. Appeared at court hearings regarding discovery, dispositive, and other motions. Participated in arbitration, mediation and judicial settlement conferences. Engaged school district clients regarding all aspects of cases.

Litigated cases to the point of settlement in both state and federal courts. Researched complex and diverse legal issues, including matters of civil procedure, employment law, patent rights, and antitrust. Prepared complaints and dispositive motions, propounded and responded to written discovery and discovery motions, constructed deposition outlines, legal memoranda and client status letters. Court appearances and significant client contact.