Licensed educator and attorney known for excellent communication and problem-solving abilities. Recognized for flexibility, reliability, and empathy.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Forms Manager
Minnesota Judicial Branch
07.2016 - 12.2024
Developed and maintained approximately 1,000 internal and external legal forms and instructions.
Mentored court staff by sharing expertise on effective research, legal writing, collaboration with justice partners, digital accessibility, and plain language.
Utilized technology to increase access to courts for self-represented litigants (SRLs).
Analyzed trends and data to identify appropriate projects to meet customer needs.
Developed and conducted presentations for education, training, and professional development.
Provided insightful analyses of proposed legislation or rules to identify potential impacts to court processes, forms, and instructions.
Staff Attorney
Minnesota Judicial Branch
08.2006 - 07.2016
Assisted court customers in person and virtually: assessed needs, explained court procedures and legal requirements, reviewed pleadings, and referred to appropriate legal resources.
Developed resources to help the public and court staff to understand complex legal requirements.
Frequently presented to court staff and justice partners on a variety of subjects, including legal topics and deescalation.
Co-managed self-help web content.
Recruited and supervised law school student volunteers.
Assistant County Attorney
Rice County Attorney's Office
05.2005 - 04.2006
Managed caseloads involving child protection, civil commitment, child support, paternity, and forfeiture while adhering to strict deadlines and maintaining high standards of professionalism.
Provided legal opinions and services to various county departments, ensuring informed decision-making.
Developed strong relationships with law enforcement agencies and other justice partners.
Assistant County Attorney
Ramsey County Attorney's Office
01.2005 - 04.2005
Started in April 2003 as a volunteer investigator in a high-profile theft by swindle case.
Later worked as a paralegal while waiting for Minnesota bar exam results.
Finally, worked as an Assistant County Attorney in the civil division; caseload included forfeitures, collections, bankruptcy, civil commitments, general litigation.
Supervised collection agents.
Associate Attorney
Shelton & Valadez, PC
01.2002 - 10.2002
Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including memoranda, pleadings, and trial briefs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws.
Coordinated discovery efforts with opposing counsel, managing timelines to ensure full compliance with procedural requirements.
Conducted and defended depositions.
Presented persuasive arguments in court hearings, effectively advocating for client interests in contested matters.
Participated in settlement negotiations, securing favorable terms for clients while minimizing potential liabilities.
Student Attorney
St. Mary’s University - Criminal Law Clinic
08.2000 - 05.2001
Conducted comprehensive investigation, legal research, and analysis related to clients' criminal cases.
Collaborated effectively with supervising attorneys, contributing to the development of case strategies.
Represented indigent clients in criminal proceedings in district and municipal courts in Texas.
Negotiated favorable settlement terms with prosecutors.
Educated clients about potential impacts of various options (including collateral consequences) to help them make informed decisions.
Authored appellate brief in felony juvenile case.
Intern
Federal District Court, Western District of Texas
06.2000 - 08.2000
Interned in the chambers of The Honorable Fred Biery:
Reviewed parties' pleadings and prepared memoranda for staff attorneys.
Observed court proceedings.
Research Assistant
St. Mary’s University School of Law
08.1999 - 05.2000
Compiled research reports to summarize legislative changes to Texas property law.
Made recommendations for updates to Professor Lee Lytton's property law handbook to ensure legal accuracy in light of pending legislative changes.
Teacher
St. Luke Catholic School
08.1996 - 05.1998
Taught middle school English, Religion, and Study Skills (class size: 30).
Taught second grade (class size: 30).
Fostered positive learning environments that encouraged kindness, respect, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Developed and implemented a literature-based reading program for middle school.
Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs.
Teacher
North East Independent School District
08.1990 - 05.1996
Taught middle school English, history, and math.
Mentored new teachers and teachers who needed assistance with managing student behavior.
Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
Coached middle school tennis, which included helping students develop as players and as gracious competitors.
Education
Juris Doctor -
St. Mary's University School of Law
San Antonio, Texas
01.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Concentration in English
Texas Lutheran University
Seguin, Texas
01.1989
Skills
Behavior management
Relationship building
Critical thinking
Technology integration
Legal research and writing
Plain Language
Timeline
Forms Manager
Minnesota Judicial Branch
07.2016 - 12.2024
Staff Attorney
Minnesota Judicial Branch
08.2006 - 07.2016
Assistant County Attorney
Rice County Attorney's Office
05.2005 - 04.2006
Assistant County Attorney
Ramsey County Attorney's Office
01.2005 - 04.2005
Associate Attorney
Shelton & Valadez, PC
01.2002 - 10.2002
Student Attorney
St. Mary’s University - Criminal Law Clinic
08.2000 - 05.2001
Intern
Federal District Court, Western District of Texas
06.2000 - 08.2000
Research Assistant
St. Mary’s University School of Law
08.1999 - 05.2000
Teacher
St. Luke Catholic School
08.1996 - 05.1998
Teacher
North East Independent School District
08.1990 - 05.1996
Juris Doctor -
St. Mary's University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Concentration in English
Texas Lutheran University
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