Education
University of Houston Law Center – J.D. cum laude 1992
Publishing Editor – Houston Law Review
Justice – Law Center Honor Court
University of Houston – B.A. in History magna cum laude 1989
Bar Admissions
Supreme Court of Washington
Texas Supreme Court (Inactive)
US District Courts, Eastern and Western Districts of Washington
US District Court, Northern and Southern District of Texas
Notable Results
Summary judgment in construction defect coverage litigation holding that entry into covenant judgment by additional insured being defended under reservation of rights breached the duty to cooperate and barred indemnity claim. The Charter Oak Fire Ins. Co. et al. v. Interstate Mechanical, Inc., et al., No. 3:10-cv-01505-PK, 2012 WL 1357674 (D. Or. 2012).
Appellate decision that $10M policy triggered by exhaustion of limited flood coverage rather than total limits of underlying excess policy, based in part on extrinsic evidence regarding placement of the coverages. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s London v. Travelers Property Cas. Co. of America, 161 Wn. App. 265, 256 P.3d 368 (2011).
Summary judgment in construction defect coverage litigation ruling that coverage by estoppel remedy unavailable to additional insured where underlying court had found insured’s work did not give rise to additional insured’s liabilities. Ballard Condominiums Owners Assoc. as assignee of Ballard Residential, LLC. v. General Security Indemnity Company of Arizona, No. C09-00484 RSL, 2010 WL 4683721 (W.D. Wash. 2010).
Bench trial decision that excess payments made under threat of suit by insured not “voluntary payments” and awarding recovery against excess insurer. North Am. Cap. Ins. Co. v. Great American Ins. Co., Polygon NW Co. v. Commercial Underwriters Ins. Co. and Great American Insurance Co. King County Cause no. 07-2-3391-4.
Discovery ruling that coverage counsel communications privileged despite claim of “bad faith” by insured and that “commingling” coverage and defense files did not breach duty of good faith or expose file to discovery. Lexington Ins. Co. v. Swanson, 240 F.R.D. 662 (W.D. Wash. 2007).
Appellate decision that a prospective inheritance not a recoverable damage in wrongful death action. Federated Services Ins. Co. v. Personal Representative of the Estate of Norberg, 101 Wn. App. 119, 4 P.3d 844 (2000).
Professional and Civic Involvement
Washington State Bar Association
Texas State Bar Association
Northwest Insurance Coverage Association
Personal Interests and Activities
Hiking, kayaking and travel.