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Dentons Bingham Greenebaum LLP
Lewis and Clark Law School, 2019
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
I wanted to help others pursue justice. In the beginning of my career, I wanted to help children and families. I followed this interest for the first few years of my practice while in Portland, Oregon, and I exclusively practiced family law. While family law doesn’t make up a large part of my practice these days, I still occasionally take some cases and on a pro bono basis.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
I always joked that if law school didn’t work out, I’d be a traveling whitewater rafting guide/mountaineering guide and open up my own touring/adventure company. Realistically, though, I would be working with my boyfriend to grow our current real estate investment portfolio, flipping properties, and managing the residential rental properties.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
My father’s attorney, Mike Sahagian, was one of the first attorneys I ever met. I shadowed Mike back when I was in high school, and he taught me a lot about professionalism and what it’s like to be an attorney. When I first started my practice in Oregon as a new attorney, I met another attorney, Jessica Flint, who worked at my firm. Jessica exemplifies integrity, professionalism, intelligence, discipline, and she is one of the most down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet.
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
In addition to treating others with respect and dignity, a good lawyer should be humble in their preparation and confident in their execution. This was a piece of advice I learned from a speech by Indiana Supreme Court Justice Mark Massa at my first session of the ISBA Leadership Development Academy.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
People tend to think of lawyers the way they are portrayed in the media or in entertainment. However, that doesn’t realistically capture everything lawyers do. I would like people to know how lawyers make contributions to their communities outside of litigation and court.
Tell us something surprising about you.
My favorite hobby growing up in Oregon was mountaineering and learning about glacier travel. … While in law school, I served as the American Bar Association representative and promoted ABA membership on campus. I found a way to enjoy my hobby while also marketing the ABA by taking photos of myself holding up my ABA banner against scenic backdrops and views. Unexpectedly, I won the title of “Most Creative Rep” among all of the ABA reps in the country in 2019.
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment you’ve had in your career.
If you pack a suitcase for an overnight ISBA event or conference, do not leave your suitcase at home. This happened to me recently.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
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