I was born in New York in 1961.
I decided I wanted to be an Attorney when I was 15.
I first purchased real estate when I was 18 years old while I was a senior in high school.
I did my undergraduate at the University of Washington, and then went to law school at Gonzaga.
Right after law school I opened my own law office in Woodinville, WA in 1987 when I was 26 years old.
I moved to Whatcom County, WA in 2000.
My 2 children were raised in Point Roberts, WA with B.C. next door.
My 22 year old son Elliot went to school in B.C. and California. He played hockey in Richmond, B.C. and baseball in White Rock, B.C. Elliot then moved to Stockholm, Sweden where he graduated from High School and played hockey for 4 years. Elliot now resides in Sweden where he attends business school.
My 17 year old daughter Celise was born in B.C. She played soccer in Richmond, B.C. Celise is now a Senior at Blaine High School where she plays Tennis.
I enjoy swimming, hiking and mountain biking with views of Mount Baker and the Salish Sea.
A CLIENT BEFORE ATTORNEY
I learned at a young age how important it is to obtain legal advice. When I was 18 years old I purchased 3.75 acres of land outside of Seattle. A few years later I discovered that the property was illegally subdivided. As a result, I was unable to obtain a building permit for the property. I contacted the Seller to properly subdivide the land, but he refused. Consequently, I hired an attorney to commence a lawsuit against the seller for violation of the Washington Subdivision Law. Fortunately, my attorney presented a good case and I prevailed in trial court. But the seller appealed to the Washington Court of Appeals, which ultimately dismissed the appeal. Finally, the seller subdivided the property some seven years after I originally purchased the land. In retrospect, I found out the hard way about not retaining an attorney to advise me before buying real estate.
But there were many positives from my experience. It helped me understand a client’s point of view. I learned first-hand what a client may confront in a dispute involving litigation. I also learned how important a role the attorney can play.
My experience helped me understand many things from an attorney’s point of view, i.e. listening to the client, communicating effectively with the client and solving the problem for the client.
My experience also spurred my interest in Real Estate and Property Law. Now some 33+ years later I have a wide range of legal experience, which also includes Estates & Probate, U.S. Tax Compliance, Litigation and Dispute Resolution.
I have been fortunate to help all sorts of clients, from individuals to businesses, and from professional athletes to Canadians with cross border issues. And some less privileged clients who I volunteer my legal services pro bono. No matter who the client every client matters.
EDUCATION
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy–Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, 1983
Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA (Juris Doctorate, 1986)
AFFILIATIONS
Mark is a licensed attorney in Washington State.
Mark is authorized to practice in the U.S. District Court (Western District of Washington, Seattle) and the U.S. Tax Court (Washington D.C).
Mark is a Certified NHLPA Hockey Agent who has represented NHL Hockey Players for over 27 years, including Alex Edler of the LA Kings, and Jannik Hansen formerly of the Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks.
Mark is not a B.C. or Canadian Lawyer, or Canadian Tax Advisor. Mark is not a U.S. Tax Accountant.
CONTACT MARK