Objective
In house counsel or contract services to advise on contract issues, labor issues, martime (admiralty) and environmental issues. Background in boating and maritime community and would like to tie my legal experience with my favorite industry.
Experience
Knauss & Seaman PLLC Port Hadlock, WA
Partner 2006 – Present
Experienced trial attorney. Partner in three attorney firm in Jefferson County Washington. Law practice emphasizing real estate, land use, estate planning, and probate. Practice areas also include maritme, environmental, business planning, criminal defense, family law, and personal injury.
Jefferson County District Court Port Townsend, WA
Judge Pro Tem, 2007 - Present
Judge Pro Tem for Jefferson County District Court. Preside over jury trials, civil and criminal motions, small claims and traffic court.
Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office Port Townsend, WA
Deputy Prosecutor, Felonies, Deputy Coroner, 2004 –2006
Primary felony prosecutor for Jefferson County. Argued in Washington State Supreme Court, State v. Stevens, 158 Wn.2d 304 (2005). Lead attorney on numerous jury trials and bench trials. Prosecuted juvenile and district court cases. Advise local law enforcement on search and seizure issues, reviewed warrants. County coroner, investigated death scenes.
Delay, Curran, Thompson, Pontarolo & Walker, P.S Spokane, WA
Law Clerk, 2002 - 2004
Assisted in all phases of litigation, including discovery & motion practice. Researched and drafted appellate briefs including petition for Washington Supreme Court review and supplemental brief, in Pinecrest v. Cloninger, 151 Wn.2d 279, (2004)
United States Coast Guard Reserve Seattle, WA
Legal Technician, 2001 - 2001
Assisted Legal Staff in administrative duties. Researched UCMJ issues, prepared correspondence, maintained legal library and case management. Participated as Bailiff in Court Martial cases.
United States Coast Guard Elizabeth City, NC & Seattle, WA
Office Manager, Loan Officer, Seaman, 1996 - 2001
Maintained administration for 2nd largest Coast Guard airport facility. Administered the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Program. Processed and tracked $300,000 in loans and grants for Coast Guard personnel for Northeast North Carolina. Led security force that maintained safety and security of U.S. Coast Guard 900-acre airport facility with over 1500 personnel and directly responsible for coordination of emergency response of fire department, medical unit and security force. As Seaman aboard USCG Midget WHEC 726 performed seaman deck duties and stood bridge watch, including helmsman and lookout. Recipient of Coast Guard Achievement Medal.
Education
Gonzaga University School of Law Spokane, WA
Graduated With Honors - Cum Laude, May 2004.
Activities: Moot Court- Judge John R. Brown Admiralty Moot Court Competition, 2 years, organized and participated in law school’s first admiralty team. President and Co-founder Armed Forces Law Club. Career Services Committee, Graduation Committee.
Excelsior College Albany, NY
B.S., Business Administration, December 2000.
Completed degree while in U.S. Coast Guard full time active duty. Combined distance learning program with attendance at UNC, Elizabeth City, NC campus business program for completion of degree.
Certification
Washington State Bar Association. 2004 – Present
Federal Bar Association, Western District of Washington 2006 – Present
Jefferson County Bar Association 2004 – Present
Bar President, 2005, 2006, 2007
Jefferson/Clallam Pro Bono Board 2008 – Present
Board Member
OLYCAP Board 2008 – Present
Board Member
Skils
Trial attorney
Negotiator
Teaching Experience:
Cooperative Olympic Peninsula Law Enforcement Academy 2006
Instructor to law enforcement recruits. Taught criminal law and criminal procedure.
Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building 2008
Guest Speaker on Business Entities, Contract and Maritime Law.