Where do you work, and what is your role?
I am a Managing Assistant General Counsel at Pacific Life Insurance Company in Newport Beach, where I recently celebrated my 20 year work anniversary (HOW did that happen!). My team and I support the investment management business, including regulatory filings, board materials and legal agreements. I am also the Secretary and Counsel for the Pacific Life Foundation, which provides grants to local non-profits and helps organize community volunteer events.
What is the coolest thing about your line of work, or about the industry you are in?
I genuinely enjoy my job because no two days are ever the same. The constant variety keeps me energized and curious. Even after 25+ years, there's always something new to learn in the investment management industry.
What is the most surprising thing you’ve found working there?
The top notch quality of people here who love the company. Pacific Life has an annual dinner for employees who have been here at least 25 years, and it speaks volumes as to the company and its culture that there are hundreds of attendees.
What do you love about being an in-house attorney?
The direct interactions with clients. As a “Big Law” associate, I mostly worked behind the scenes supporting the client-facing partner. Working in-house, I work directly with clients in helping them accomplish their goals, which helps make the work professionally fulfilling.
Are you currently working remotely? If so, what tips can you share with other in-house attorneys regarding how you have made that successful?
We are in a hybrid model. I go into the office about 4 days a week on average – sometimes three days, sometimes five, depending on projects and deadlines. When you are in the office, take advantage of the energy of face-to-face interactions and the spontaneity they bring. That said, be sure to value the opportunity to work from home for deep focus and the flexibility that makes it easier to juggle work/life logistics.
Why did you join ACC and what do you like the most about being an ACC SoCal Member?
One of the first things I did when moving to Orange County and going in-house was to join ACC SoCal. The ability to interact with peers and share insights and experiences with each other is invaluable. There are many lawyers in California, but at the end of the day it is a small group who deal with the same issues and topics that our Members experience. The multitude of opportunities to meet up with ACC SoCal Members for networking, well-being activities and professional development opportunities (including MCLE) has been a true career enhancer for me. I also value the wealth of legal resources available to us as Members—while revising an agreement, I tapped into the extensive library of sample documents on the ACC website which offered dozens of practical, real-world examples to guide my approach.
Saying all that, what I personally enjoy most about ACC SoCal are the many opportunities available to provide pro bono. I’m proud to join our dedicated group of Members in offering vital pro bono legal services. In times like these when access to justice remains out of reach for so many, I find deep personal fulfillment in using my legal training to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our community who need it most.
What is your favorite ACC event and why?
As a novice to the sport of golf (proving that it is never too late to become a mediocre golfer), I truly look forward to the annual ACC golf tournament. It is a great opportunity to have a day away from the office with other Members at a beautiful location. The event is always generously stocked with food, drinks and thoughtful gifts from our sponsors. And thanks to the “best ball” format, my occasional lucky putts make me feel like an asset to the team.
What advice would you give to young attorneys?
Don’t just do the work—understand why you’re doing it, and discuss with your client what they ultimately hope to accomplish. Your worth will be in “seeing the forest for the trees” (remember that from law school?) in figuring out the big picture and perhaps a better way to get there. And don’t forget to pay it forward and backwards, being generous and kind to others – your law school classmates, work colleagues and professional contacts may become future collaborators, co-counsel, bosses or even clients.
When you aren’t practicing law, what are you doing?
Besides learning to become a mediocre golfer, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. My daughter (and money) go to the University of Washington, and we are looking forward to cheering on the Huskies at football games this fall. And now that my wife and I are empty-nesters, we hope to do less laundry and more travel.
What’s something about you that fellow ACC SoCal members might be surprised to know?
I was in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where I helped pull the Bart Simpson balloon. Cowabunga!
Do you have a favorite quote or motto?
I have a few, but given that we are attorneys, I’ll have to quote another lawyer: “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its original dimensions" by Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
This speaks to me of the transformative power of new ideas and how they permanently alter one's perspective and understanding. There is always something new to learn.
Is there anything else you want us to know?
Listen, I get it, the lawyer jokes and bad press and such. However, don’t forget that practicing law is a profoundly honorable profession—one rooted in justice, advocacy, and the pursuit of fairness. Whether it’s protecting someone’s rights, resolving disputes or helping your firm understand their options, you're making the law accessible and meaningful. It is not a job, it is a calling that blends intellect, empathy and service in a way few careers do. Be proud in what you do, knowing that you are making a difference.
