I am running for this office because I have over 31 years of experience as a lawyer and many years of life experience to contribute. I sincerely want to use it to serve our community.
I’ve worked extensively in Washington Municipal Courts, District Courts, Superior Courts, Juvenile Courts, the Washington State Court of Appeals and the Washington Supreme Court. Additionally, I represented the City of Burlington in the United States Supreme Court.
I have represented clients in Island County, King County, Snohomish County, Skagit County and Whatcom County.
Jim & his wife, Keittyanne
I’ve worked in:
- Criminal prosecution and defense;
- Child dependency matters – representing both children and parents;
- Divorces; Personal injury cases.
I strive to truly help the people that I represent, always remaining mindful of diversity; equity and inclusion.
I believe that justice consists of respecting the rights of every person and that real lasting peace in our communities is not possible without justice for everyone. I became a lawyer because I have a passion for justice. All litigants in a court of law are entitled to receive a fair and just outcome.
Judges are, first and foremost, public servants. They exist to support and protect constitutional rights and ensure that justice is done. Judges must be independent, impartial, and have had extensive prior experience as an attorney - not merely working on legal issues but working closely with people who have difficult legal problems. I have those qualifications and that experience.
I have worked in the following positions:
1) Snohomish County Deputy Prosecutor;
2) Mount Vernon City Prosecutor;
3) Special Prosecutor for Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office;
4) Private practice attorney;
5) Contract attorney with Skagit County and the State of Washington to represent parents and children in dependency matters; and
6) Skagit County Public Defenders Office.
I am a former member of the United States Marine Corps - Honorably Discharged 1973. I worked as a Respiratory Therapist from 1974 to 1989.
In the community I have provided Pro Bono legal work and Volunteered in Bellingham Community Theater. I am a long term member of the Bellingham Community Food Co-op and a regular blood donor to Bellingham Bloodworks.
