I fell in love with the law during a mock trial presentation in my sixth-grade history class. From that moment on, I was hooked. Coming from a large Catholic family where resources were limited, determination, perseverance, and hard work were required to make my dream a reality. I am a deeply loyal person, though, even to myself. And maybe stubborn, because I don’t give up. I am generally open and friendly, and can even be chill. But, when an issue arises, I have a tenacious desire to reach a final resolution. That energy and my determination drove me through college to law school in Oregon and continue to drive how I practice law and live my life.
Those traits earned me incredible opportunities at the University of Oregon School of Law. In addition to being selected by my peers for student leadership positions, during my first year of law school, I earned a spot working for a public defender’s office. In my second year, I was awarded an externship with the circuit court. During my third and final year, in addition to my school work, I worked part-time for a local law firm and clerked at the federal district court for the Honorable Judge Michael McShane. This wide array of legal experiences has taught me to easily adapt to different practice areas. If I do not initially know the answer, you can be assured I know how to figure it out. At Cooper & Riesterer, I handle residential real estate matters, and civil litigation, and assist clients with estate planning needs. The thrill of resolving issues for clients is the reward that drove me here.
With the exception of my law school years in Oregon, I have spent my life in Michigan. I was born and raised in northern Michigan and Michigan is my home. It’s a loyalty thing. I love the outdoors and traveling, and enjoy any time I can get outside to run, kayak, mountain bike, snowboard, or camp. My favorite companions are my wife and our two dogs. They keep me grounded. In my downtime, if we are not outside trekking around, we are quite content just to relax at home together.
University of Oregon School of Law, J.D.
Saginaw Valley State University, B.A., Cum Laude
State Bar of Michigan
PUBLICATIONS
Trusts: A Necessary Estate Planning Tool for One and All, Reflections – Ogemaw County Herald | Oscoda County Herald | Arenac County Independent, Spring 2022
Tenants, Define Your Trade Fixtures, State Bar of Michigan Real Property Law Section e-Newsletter, May 2021
Student Bar Association Executive Board, 2L and 3L Representative
Moot Court Board, Member of Mock Trial Team
Oregon Law Student Public Interest Fund, Communications Director
Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, 1L Representative, Treasurer
Dean Student Advisory Committee