Education
University of Texas, undergrad with a degree in Political Science, 1989. Universitat de Valencia, Spanish studies, 1989. Oxford University, Comparative Legal Studies, 1989. Oklahoma City University School of Law, JD 1992.
Experience
I was sworn into the Oklahoma Bar in 1992, so I have been practicing over 30 years. Some of the highlights of my career are that I represented Lynn Starks, whose daughter, Whitney, was tragically strangled in a defectively designed bunk bed. Through tireless efforts, Ms. Starks was able to change the law in Oklahoma on bunk bed construction with passage of the “Whitney Starks Act” in 1998. Ms. Starks then lobbied in Washington D.C. and helped persuade the Consumer Product Safety Commission to adopt the “Whitney Starks Bunk Bed Rule,” which went into effect in 1999, changing federal bunk bed safety standards from voluntary to mandatory. I was one of the first lawyers in Oklahoma to represent women injured by silicone gel breast implants and the diet drug combination, Fen-Phen. Throughout my career, I have assisted clients in not just resolving their cases, but also trying to change laws to prevent future injuries for the same products. In 1997, I worked with my client, Ronnie Freeman, in publicizing the danger of Fen-Phen, which was responsible for the death of Mr. Freeman’s wife, Josie. Through interviews on CNN, The CBS Evening News, Cosmopolitan Magazine and others, their efforts raised public awareness of the dangers of the drug combination, which was eventually removed from the market.
Awards
Recipient of the Raymond D. Naifeh Clerkship Award, which provided one year of clerking for Oklahoma County Judges and invaluable experience. Extensive involvement in Pharmaceutical Litigation, representing victims of defective drugs and medical devices. 2016 appointment to the steering committee for Taxotere Litigation. In Re: Taxotere (Docetaxel) Products Liability Litigation. MDL NO. 2740. Subsequently appointed co-chair of the Discovery Committee in the litigation. Professional Affiliations include The American Association for Justice, The Oklahoma Association of Justice, Oklahoma Bar Association, Oklahoma City University School of Law, Board of Directors, 1996-1998, Oklahoma County Bar Association. Admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.
