Have you always wanted to be an attorney?

“If you would have asked me at 18 years old what line of work I would go into, the field of law would have been far from my mind. I worked in Kaladi Brothers Coffee in high school. The coffee shop was located directly under the Law Offices of Michael J. Jensen. I befriended Michael and his wife and ended up doing some construction work at their house. Apparently, he liked my work ethic because not much later I was offered a position at his office. I grew to love working in law at his office. I really enjoyed being able to come alongside people and help them through difficult times in their life.”

Why did you choose Adoption law, Estate Planning, and Workers’ Compensation as your fields of practice?

“My former employer, Michael J. Jensen, handled workers’ compensation claims. Working under him was the foundation of my legal experience. In my opinion, I was able to train under the very best. I have continued in workers compensation because it is a field where I get to really help people. I have been through serious injuries myself and I know exactly how scary it is. I have been blessed in that my injuries have not prevented me from working. Not everyone is so lucky. I love being able to help people who have been injured because I have an idea what they are going through. Workers’ compensation claims are complicated. Controversion Notices, Independent Medical Evaluations, Pre-Hearings, Formal Hearings, Deposition and the other proceedings are intimidating if you don’t understand them. Dealing with the effects of an injury and trying to handle a workers’ compensation claim at the same time is extremely challenging. Litigation is stressful and stress is not good for healing. I strive to help reduce the stress of someone’s claim.

I started volunteering to help people with basic Estate Plans after a bad car accident. My wife and I found ourselves without anything prepared. Estate planning is for more than planning for death. It is preparing documents that protect you financially and medically while you are alive. It is planning for leaving your businesses and finances to the people you love. A solid estate plan saves time, money, and family conflict. I learned the basics of estate planning in setting up my wife and I’s own estate plans. I then set out to make sure every single one of our friends and family members had something set up. I worked as a volunteer in this area for several years. I continue to work in it as an attorney so that I can help people best provide for their family member at death and prepare the documents they need to be safe while they are still alive.

Adoption law is just for fun. I became friends with Philip Jay McCarthy, an adoption attorney, while working for The Law Offices of Michael J. Jensen. He and two other adoption attorneys took my wife and I on a camping trip shortly before I set off for law school. They all told me that adoption law was the only area of law where people show up with balloons and flowers to court appearances. That has always stuck with me. If I can help a child be adopted, it can forever alter the course of their life. The same is true for parents who are adopting. Adoption is a wonderful thing. It is a privilege to be able to help people with it.”

You serve on the Board of Directors for Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis, otherwise known as AWAIC. How did you get connected there?

“My wife and I have supported AWAIC for many, many years. I never expect to be on their Board. I actually worked in opposition to the President of the Board of directors in handling Workers’ Compensation Claims. After I finished law school, she reached out to me and asked me to submit an application to the Board of Directors. I was shocked after our conversation. What an honor! I filled out the application, interviewed, and was elected. I have not been on the Board long, but am very excited to volunteer in this kind of capacity and use my legal skills to help people struggling with domestic violence.”

Why should someone hire you rather than another attorney?

“There are many wonderful attorneys in Alaska. Everyone should hire the attorney that they are most comfortable with. An attorney/client relationship is one of extreme trust. I want people to hire me if they feel comfortable with me and believe I am the best for the job. I would never fault someone for wanting to work with another attorney or selecting another attorney over me. Before taking on a case, I always talk with the individuals and make sure it is a good fit for both of us.”

You graduated Magna Cum Laude from Gonzaga University School of Law in an accelerated program and passed the bar in Alaska, where the licensing score is the highest of any U.S. state, on the first try. How did you pull that off?

“First, all my strength comes from God. I can’t properly answer this question without recognizing my creator.

I believe that my success is because I am committed to a good work/life balance. In law school, I kept my schedule as close as a nine-to-five job as I could. I worked extremely hard during my work hours, but then took the time I needed to be with my family and rest. I played the drums and read my Bible every single day. I spent time with my wife every single day. I figured out what I needed to prioritize to keep a good work-life balance.

I had an advantage in law school because I worked for many years as a paralegal. I took classes that better prepared me for the actual practice of law. One semester I took four writing classes and a couple other classes. I was actually discouraged by several teachers and staff members from taking so many writing classes. The standard is one per semester. Nevertheless, that was one of my most enjoyable and highest graded semesters. This job is all about writing. I write wills, living trusts, irrevocable trusts, medical directives, power of attorney forms, and all kinds of other legal documents for estate plans. I write briefs and other legal documents for adoption matters and workers’ compensation claims. Writing is one of the most important aspects of an attorney’s job. My work as a paralegal allowed me take classes that would better prepare me for the work. I did well in those classes because I could see why they were relevant.

As for the bar, it was months of hard studying. I set up my school schedule so that I had a light last semester. I started studying for the bar almost 8 months before taking it. After I graduated, I focused my work time exclusively on studying for the bar. There is no tricking that test and I had a lot riding on it. I was setting up my own business. I didn’t have a back up plan. I was literally in a lease for office space before getting my bar results. God blessed my preparations. I got on my knees and prayed in the bar exam room. God took care of the rest.”

Do you think you will ever go into other areas of law?

“I don’t plan to go into other areas. Adoption law is a passion area for me. Estate Planning and Workers’ Compensation are as well. I would prefer to focus heavily on a few areas. A jack of all trades is a master of none. I would much rather be a master of a few discrete areas than spread myself too thin.”

Is there anything else you want to share with people reading this?

“I am honored every time someone contacts me and asks me to help them with adoption law, estate planning, and workers compensation. I truly enjoy getting to know and build a relationship with my clients. If you are willing to trust me to help you with your legal work, I will work as hard as I can on your behalf.”