Agriculture has always been an interest of mine. I grew up on a crop production/ livestock production farm near Mingo, Iowa. My parents are still actively farming and I continue to be involved in the farming operation. My interest in studying agricultural law began in high school where I participated in our local FFA chapter.

I was raised on farms and ranches in Southeast New Mexico. I have known that I would be involved in advocating for Agriculture since the 4th Grade when I decided to become a lawyer initiating my first water rights lawsuit against my classmates.

My practice focuses on providing a variety of legal solutions for
those in agriculture, including transactional and litigation work. To a smaller extent, I also
provide some agricultural policy advice to clients and participate in producer educational events.

I joined AALA when my law partner became President of the organization.  He had such close friendships with members and enjoyed the conferences at all the different locations. I quickly became involved and thoroughly enjoy all of the people I have met.

I initially joined AALA in 2006 as a law student at Drake and upon attending my first conference in Savannah quickly realized the value of the organization as a source for additional education but also connecting with other ag law attorneys across the country. 

Becoming an attorney has allowed me to have a great education that allows me to advocate for my family’s farm operation and be a part of the broader agricultural community.

During college I had a variety of summer internships, but one of my favorites was working for a member of the U.S. Senate. That experience was a turning point for me, and I left that internship wanting to find more ways to get involved in public policy. A mentor at that time told me that if I wanted to be competitive in the world of ag/politics I should consider going to law school, so I enrolled that fall and the rest is history I guess.

As the attorney representing the “younger” generation in our office, I have devoted special attention to helping young, new, and beginning farmers get off the ground. With all of the challenges that come with entering the farming profession, I want to make sure these clients have an attorney who can provide affordable and practical legal solutions.

Employer: Department of Ag and Resource Economics, University of Maryland   Education and Work Experience: B.S. Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State, Juris Doctorate, University of Oklahoma, LL.M, Agricultural Law, University of Arkansas and M.S., Agricultural Economics, University of Arkansas   How did you get interested/involved in agriculture law? I grew up on my family’s wheat and […]

I’m a faculty member in the Department of Extension, which involves teaching, research and outreach. I teach an Agribusiness Law class for undergraduate students and direct the OSU Agricultural & Resource Law Program.