My path to the law was not a straight one, like most paths in my life. I went to college to get an engineering degree from Texas A&M. My parents still have the diary I kept with drawings of the cities and subdivisions I dreamed of building one day. About a decade ago, though, I found myself drawn to the process of the law and found myself in law school. That journey has been both challenging and rewarding. I discovered early on that I had a passion for arguing in the courtroom, making deals happen, and solving whatever problem stands in the path. I was fortunate enough as a law clerk and young lawyer to be given a variety of complex projects that made me stand out and quickly develop my skills so that I could master my own projects. Clerking at Cooper & Riesterer solidified my desire to specialize in real estate development and construction law, the same area I was drawn to as a small child. I am thrilled that I am now able to help developers and home builders take their real estate dreams and turn them into reality.

My days at Cooper & Riesterer are spent working on all sides of real estate transactions and resolving construction-related disputes. No matter the task, I can handle it – big or small. Navigating the paperwork, which can be daunting for even experienced developers, is what I am here for. My job is to guide you through this arduous process and to help take the confusion out of those tricky areas like zoning and land use regulations, tax laws, lien requirements, Uniform Commercial Code issues, 1031 exchanges, and just about anything in the real estate realm that you need help with. And, when I am not practicing on the transactional side of the law, I enjoy cleaning up the construction industry in the courtroom by doing my best to make sure those that deserve to get paid, get paid, and those that do not, never see a penny.

I was initially born in Michigan, but at the age of 8, my family moved to various places around the world, including several years in the Netherlands. I was able to visit 15 countries before I reached high school. Moving teaches you to be adaptable and to accept change, but also to value the recognizable traditions and comforts of home. I will never stop traveling and exploring and experiencing new places and things – my curious nature would never let me – but I will also never take having a great place to call home for granted. I am now back in my birthplace, enjoying the beauty of Michigan and its joyous people, a place I can help nurture and develop, and a place to call home.