I am a former administrative law judge and an experienced practitioner of labor and employment law. My work with Bennett Hartman focuses on representing labor organizations. I also litigate cases in civil court on behalf of individuals who have legal claims against their employers.
I was born and raised in Idaho and grew up working retail, restaurant, and childcare jobs. I moved to Washington to attend college, where I interned in the Washington State Legislature and became fascinated with the power of language in the law. Following graduation, I worked as a data analyst for the Washington Judicial Conduct commission, continuing to learn more about the impact of law on people’s lives. Based on these experiences, I was inspired to attend law school.
After graduating law school and passing the bar exam, I returned to my home state to serve as a judicial clerk in the Third Judicial District. Shortly after, I became a Deputy State Appellate Public Defender and later became acting in-house counsel for Ada County as a Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, specializing in employment law and tort defense.
Wanting to experience adjudication again, I became an Administrative Judge for the National Appeals Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This was my first position as a union employee. I quickly learned the crucial role unions could serve in protecting employees against unjust actions by employers. I became actively involved in my AFSCME local, serving as a bargaining team member, E-board member, Vice President, and ultimately President.
When I learned of a position as an Administrative Law Judge before the Oregon Employment Relations Board, I was excited for the opportunity to integrate my adjudication, employment, and union experience into a single opportunity. I served in that position for approximately five years, learning the intricacies of Oregon labor law.
Since leaving the Oregon Employment Relations Board, I have focused on labor and employment law in private practice, first with Tedesco Law Group and more recently with Bennett Hartman.
My spare time largely involves running a coastal vacation rental, and serving the relentless needs of my dogs, cat, chickens, and recently neighborhood crows.
Joined Firm
2022
Admitted to Practice
- Idaho State Bar (2001)
- Oregon State Bar (2016)
- U.S. District of Oregon (2022)
Education
- The Evergreen State College, B.A. (Interdisciplinary Studies)
- University of Utah College of Law, J.D.
Professional/Volunteer Activities
Board Member – Joys of Living Assistance Dogs