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“Divorce is one of life’s most challenging crossroads . Let’s work together to overcome obstacles, and achieve success on this journey.”
Introduction
Alan says, “Family law sounds tough, but I love my work. I get to help people in need and get paid for my efforts. I play by the rules and try to treat opposing party and the opposing attorney with respect and courtesy. I encourage my clients to look at the broader picture and compromise when appropriate. On the other hand, when we are strong, we are more likely to win without a fight. When lawyers fight, lawyers win. I want my clients to win." But perhaps even more important than “winning,” he recognizes the impact his litigation strategy will have on the children. 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 court system can help the parties with a forum in which to fight, but we can help people fight smart.” he says. It is 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 their mutual goals. For Alan, success is not about winning or losing. "For me, when a client walks into my office with problems and walks out with solutions, we’ve all succeeded.”
Bar Admissions
Washington State Bar Association, 1996
California State Bar Association, 1993
Education
Willamette University, College of Law, Juris Doctor, 1993
University of Washington, Bachelor of Arts, 1989
Community & Professional Associations
Member, California Bar Association, 1993 – present
Member, Washington State Bar Association, 1996 – present
Member, American Bar Association, 1997
Member, King County Bar Association, 1996 – present
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association (WSTLA), 1996 – 2006
Member, King County Bar Association Courts and Judiciary Committee, 2010 – 2013
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 King County Bar Association 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
Secretary of King County Bar Association Family Law Section, 2007
Vice-Chair of King County Bar Association Family Law Section, 2008
Chairman of King County Bar Association Family Law Section, 2009
Member of King County Bar Association Board of Trustees, 2014
Secretary of King County Bar Association Board of Trustees Executive Committee, 2014
Member King County Bar Association Judicial Screening Committee – Municipal, District Court, Superior Court, 2013 – 2014
Awards & Recognitions
King County Title 26 GAL training, 2003
Certified on King County Title 26 Guardian Ad Litem Registry, 2004 – 2007
Eastside Legal Clinic volunteer attorney, 1996 – 1999
Volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) – Title 26
Arbitrator on King County Mandatory Arbitration panel
King County Superior Court Settlement Conference Master
Instructor: King County “How to Finish Your Divorce” class
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
Speaking Engagements
“Working with Pro Se Litigants as Opposing Party.” November 30, 2006
“Evaluating the Evaluator; Preparation for and Deposition of the Parenting Evaluator.” October 5, 2007
“Advanced Family Law Practice for Paralegals; Drafting Child Support Orders and Worksheets.” August 14, 2008
“Financial Settlement Strategies for Your Divorce Clients; Getting a Divorce Case Off to the Right Foot.” December 11, 2008
“Legal Strategies for Coping with Parents Who Alienate.” 2010
“Parenting Disputes from A to Z: In the Best Interests of the Child. Ethical Considerations.” March 3, 2010
“Effective Use of Parenting Evaluations in Divorce.” 2011
“Discovery of Electronic Records, How to Discover, Produce and Review Electronic Data; and Tools and Tips for Dealing with New Technologies.” 2009