Biography
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EXPERIENCE

Private Practice. Oregon, Massachusetts, and California. 1998 - present.
Public Interest Attorney
Shareholder Advocacy
  • Counsel and advise clients as they seek to develop and implement legal strategies that foster corporate social and environmental responsibility. Specializing in the use of federal proxy rules and corporate governance structures
  • Draft and file shareholder resolutions on a wide range of social, environmental and governance issues.
  • Representation before the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Corporation Finance to defend shareholder proposals.
  • EDGAR filings.
  • Oversee shareholder resolutions through the processes preceding and following corporate annual meetings.
  • Coordinate scientific, media, political and grassroots efforts and resources.
  • Engage institutional investors and proxy advisors on corporate social and environmental issues.
  • See below for representative list of clients and project partners.
    • Natural Resource Conservation
  • Represented grassroots and non-governmental organizations as they sought to ensure electric company compliance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission hydroelectric dam licenses.
  • Subject matter included minimum flows, water quality, Atlantic salmon protection and forest management.
  • Secured foundation grants for multiple years to fund programs.
    • Land Use Preservation
  • Represented neighborhood association in its appeal of a land use permit awarded to a Walgreen pharmacy in Greenfield, Massachusetts.
  • Advised land trusts on terms of conservation easements.
    • Public Defender
  • Private contractor (2001 - 2005) with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to represent indigent criminal defendants in district and appeals courts.

    • General Practice
    Subject matter included contracts, wills and trusts, property and personal injury.
    Vermont Superior Court. Bennington, Vermont. 1997 - 1998.
    Judicial Law Clerk. Worked directly with Bennington County's three judges, analyzed and researched questions of law raised in motions, briefed judges, drafted opinions and orders. Advised the clerk of the court on trial and hearing procedures.
    Vermont Supreme Court. Montpelier, Vermont. Spring 1996.
    Legal Intern. Working closely with Associate Justice Ernest W. Gibson III researched, analyzed, and drafted opinions for the Vermont Supreme Court. Opinions included landmark decision regarding a land use permit sought for a Wal-Mart store.
    Southeast Alaska Conservation Council (SEACC). Juneau, Alaska. Summer 1996.
    Summer Legal Associate. Appealed a United States Forest Service timber sale. Coordinated filing and appeal hearings with SEACC staff. Represented SEACC at the appeal hearing. Reviewed and analyzed Environmental Impact Statements.
    Vermont Law School. South Royalton, Vermont. Summer 1995.
    Research Assistant. Produced and edited a 45 minute documentary on how the community of St. Albans Vermont responded to Wal-Mart trying to open a store just outside of the city.

    PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

    Green House Network - Focus The Nation. Portland, Oregon. (Board Member)
    The Tannery Wildlife Refuge. West Dover, Vermont. (former Board Member)

    EDUCATION

    Vermont Law School. South Royalton, Vermont.
    Juris Doctor, top quartile of class, 1997.
    Master of Studies in Environmental Law, Magna Cum Laude, 1997.
    University of Vermont. Burlington, Vermont.
    Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Honors, 1992.

    BAR MEMBERSHIP

    Oregon since 2005.
    Massachusetts since 2001.
    California since 1998.