The best part of my job is learning about our clients’ business and helping them understand and implement the legal tools that can help them to accomplish their strategic objectives.
How I represent clients at Schwabe
I help companies and business owners navigate the legal challenges that come with building, growing, operating, and ultimately transitioning their businesses. My experience spans commercial and real estate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance, allowing me to provide practical, business-focused guidance to clients of all sizes, across industries including consumer products, manufacturing, retail, real estate, construction, and healthcare.
An ally for every stage of the business lifecycle
From helping entrepreneurs choose the right structure for a new venture to advising growth-stage companies on financing, governance, and asset protection, I focus on solutions that support long-term success. I regularly negotiate complex commercial agreements, address governance challenges, strengthen supply chain relationships, and guide clients through high-stakes transactions, with an emphasis on practical outcomes and strategic clarity.
Helping owners plan what comes next
I’m particularly passionate about helping business owners prepare for transition and succession. As a leader of Schwabe’s Privately Held Businesses & Enterprises group, I work closely with owners to evaluate legal strategies for transferring ownership, preserving enterprise value and business legacy, and capturing the wealth they’ve built. Whether through internal succession, external sale, or other creative transition strategies, my goal is to help clients move forward with confidence and a clear plan.
Experience
Privately Held Businesses & Enterprises
- Represented privately held companies in redeeming stock from founders/majority shareholders and transitioning ownership to key management.
- Implemented a stock redemption plan for a multi-generational, family-owned manufacturing company.
- Developed an employee stock plan to allow a closely held construction company to expand ownership to key employees.
- Handled contested ownership division of family business interests.
- Advised family-owned companies with development of professional board of directors and governance involving multiple subsidiaries and affiliates.
- Represented minority family owners of regional manufacturing company regarding ownership transition planning and governance issues.
Mergers and acquisitions
- Assisted company owners in full or partial sales to private-equity buyers, including in the professional services, distribution, manufacturing, software, food processing, healthcare, and senior housing industries.
- Represented companies in industries ranging from environmental services, cold storage, manufacturing, fabrication, construction, software, food service, beverage distribution, and professional services in preparing for and completing business sales to strategic purchasers.
- Assisted regional and global companies with acquisitions of complementary businesses to drive strategic or geographic expansion, including in the construction, manufacturing, building supply, and food and beverage industries.
- Represented entrepreneurs in the purchase of a food manufacturing company.
- Advised a nonprofit corporation in a merger with another nonprofit to facilitate growth.
- Advised diverse family business with spin-off and sale of retail operations to strategic purchaser.
- Assisted specialty subcontractor with reorganization and merger.
Corporate governance
- Advised the board of directors of a large nonprofit healthcare system regarding development and implementation of a corporate governance model designed to further its strategic objectives.
- Advised the board and management of a global manufacturing company and of a regional construction company with multiple subsidiaries on corporate governance, board meetings, and shareholder relations.
- Assisted charitable organizations in obtaining and maintaining tax-exempt status.
- Implemented changes to the capital structure of a large regional construction company to facilitate distribution of wealth to family member shareholders.
- Advised a regional mental health provider on ownership structure and buy-sell agreements.
- Developed governance structure and complex shareholders’ agreements for multi-generation family farm and agricultural enterprises.
Commercial transactions
- Prepared complex commercial agreements with customers and suppliers for companies in the manufacturing, distribution, retail, and healthcare industries.
- Counseled a lender to successful closing of commercial loans to local businesses and real estate developers.
- Negotiated commercial lease terms for businesses looking to expand, renew, or move locations.
- Developed suite of customer-facing sales contracts and standard terms for consumer products, manufacturing, and distribution companies.
Education
- University of Oregon, School of Law, Juris Doctor degree (2007)
- Exit Planning Institute, Certified Exit Planning Advisor (2014)
- University of Puget Sound, Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude (2004)
Admissions
- Oregon State Courts
- Washington State Courts
Memberships
- Washington State Bar, Business Law Section, Member
- Oregon State Bar, Business Law Section, Member
- Clark County Bar Association, Member
Awards
- “Accomplished & Under 40” award, Vancouver Business Journal (2011)
- George C. Marshall Public Leadership award (2014)
Services
Community Activities
- Identity Clark County, Ed Lynch Honorary Director (2019-2021) ,Board of Directors (2021-present)
- Leadership Clark County, Class of 2010 graduate
- Washington State University-Vancouver, guest business law instructor
- Columbia River Economic Development Council, investor and speaker on legal topics
- Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, member and speaker on legal topics
- Clark College Foundation, Real Estate Committee (2025-present)
Outside Interests
Hiking, camping, golfing, skiing and exploring the coast with my family.
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