I think that the challenges and opportunities in ag law are as exciting and as interesting as ever.  Agricultural law continues to be an area of law in which the practitioner can expect to encounter every type of legal issue.  The work is demanding intellectually and worthwhile socially.  For all the foreseeable years ahead, I think agricultural lawyers can expected a satisfying and rewarding career.

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 […]