How long have you practiced law?
I graduated from the University of Idaho Law School in 1984. I actively practiced as a prosecutor in my home town for a couple of years. After that I did civil defense cases at a law firm in Boise. From there I went to the Attorney Generals Office and when I left I was a Chief Deputy supervising the deputy attorneys in the Business regulatory area. I ultimately retired from Blue Shield as an Associate General Counsel.
What drove you to pursue law?
I graduated with a history / political science degree and teaching credentials. But I thought law may be interesting so I applied .
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, or something you enjoy!
I retired, my children were grown and I thought that two cats would allow for fairly footloose travel; but shortly after that, I had two dogs plus I joined a busy Board and, last but, definitely not least, I volunteered to do the work I love with the WCA. We still find time to travel so I am not complaining.
How long have you been involved with the Women’s and Children’s Alliance and how did you first get involved?
Over the years we typically adopted a family for Christmas and donated, but it was about four years ago that I volunteered to work with WCA clients on legal issues.
What drives your passion for continuing the great work that you do with the Women’s and Children’s Alliance?
Before my dad passed away, he strongly encouraged me to do something for the women and children that were in need of help through the legal system due to abuse and poverty. He knew that early in my legal career, those were the cases that really touched me.
What is something you wish more people knew about the issues you face when helping domestic abuse and sexual assault survivors?
I believe that a lot of people don’t understand that domestic abuse can touch anybody, no one is immune. Further, domestic abuse and an attempt to escape it can evolve into a slide into homelessness and poverty very quickly. These women and their children are under a lot of stress which most of them try to keep buttoned up inside. The WCA provides so many essential services that help victims remove themselves and, often their children, from danger, provide opportunities to receive temporary safe housing, legal advice and counseling services. It is an integral part of the step out of abuse.
