After graduating from Wayne High School, I earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee.

From there, I went on to the WVU College of Law, where I earned the degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence. During law school, I was fortunate enough to work as a judicial law clerk at the West Virginia Supreme Court, and also worked for a first-rate civil defense firm in Huntington. Both experiences were essential to my legal education. Not just in terms of learning the law itself, but also learning what kind of a lawyer — and person — I wanted to be.

After graduating from law school, I spent two years as a law clerk for a hard-working and esteemed trial judge, the Honorable David M. Pancake, in Huntington. These two years were critical. Spending every day in the courtroom, and discussing and analyzing cases with one of the brightest legal minds in our state, I was able to learn how our West Virginia court system works. And, more importantly, I learned how to treat people with dignity and respect, regardless of circumstances, and regardless of their social status, education, or background.

I decided to open my own law practice in Wayne for three main reasons. First, Wayne is my hometown. I can remember being a child, roaming and climbing around the courthouse where my grandmother worked. Second, family. I consider myself very blessed to have the chance to have loved ones nearby, like my grandmother, who inspires me daily. Third, the people. This place has a quiet, welcoming attitude that is rarely seen anywhere. There are so many hard-working and decent people in our community. I’ve heard Wayne described as "Mayberry-ish," and I think that’s accurate. It’s also a compliment. People here look out for each other, and genuinely care. And that’s something we should all be proud of.

Feel free to drop by my office any time you’re in Wayne.