Tell us about your time at Dentons.

I joined Dentons legacy firm Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal in mid-2010 (shortly before its merger with Denton Wilde Sapte in late September of that year), and I left the Firm for my dream job—in-house counsel for a pro sports team—in 2016. My six years at Dentons came at a time of great growth for the Firm. I had moved my family and practice from San Diego to Kansas City, MO, and I appreciated that Dentons afforded me the flexibility of referring clients to colleagues all over the globe, while still maintaining a local and US national litigation practice. I always felt that my partners—whether they were in the UK or Shanghai—treated my clients like their own.

My first experience appearing in a state court in rural Missouri was quite a change of pace from California, where most of my work was in federal district courts. Since leaving Dentons I have continued to work with the Firm on real estate, web privacy, pro bono and other matters. No matter where geographically I have needed assistance, or in what practice area, Dentons has always exceeded my expectations.

Were there any major milestones in your career while with the Firm?

I started my legal career in 1998, as an associate and later, partner, at the San Diego firm of Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps. I thought I would spend my entire career there when a desire to be closer to family prompted me to move cross-country to join Sonnenschein. The highlight of my time at Dentons was in 2015, when Dentons’ combination with McKenna Long & Aldridge, which had merged with Luce Forward in 2012, reunited me with those same amazing San Diego lawyers who taught me how to practice law. Needless to say, the next partner retreat was very special for me.

My best memories at Dentons were the poolside cocktail hours at the retreats, hosted by the Dentons LGBTQ lawyers. I also enjoyed the collegiality in the Kansas City office and the fact that some of the best lawyers in the country are there—a city that is greatly underestimated. I also enjoyed bringing to Dentons’ Kansas City office the Luce Forward-San Diego office tradition of epic April Fools’ Day pranks. I am not sure the Kansas City folks would feel the same affection for those pranks.

What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

I would tell myself to never give up on your dream job. Some lawyers get into sports law in the beginning of their career and work their way up. I chose a different path and that worked for me. Following a clerkship in San Diego I joined a large firm, focusing on civil and IP litigation. Then, in my 19th year of practice I had the opportunity to join Sporting Kansas City, a two-time MLS championship men’s soccer team. But it was while working at Luce and Dentons that I developed the skill set I needed for the position of vice president and general counsel. I garnered experience in IP, licensing, contract review and dispute resolution, insurance, and employment litigation—all subject areas I now deal with on a daily basis as general counsel.

And looking forward? Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I look forward to helping Sporting Kansas City win more MLS and US Open Cups. As the team lawyer, I get to see my legal work translate into the overall team efforts. I work with young soccer stars to bring them to KC to create “homegrown” players in our Youth Academy. I provide legal and HR support to our coaches, front office and players, assist with player contracts and immigration/green cards, and manage the risks at our four properties. In addition, we are one of very few sports teams with our own stadium concessions and off-site catering, and that business line keeps me very busy. Kansas City is also in the running to host some games for the 2026 United World Cup. I hope that in seven years I will be watching the US compete for a World Cup here in Kansas City.

What do you do during your downtime? 

Not surprisingly I spend a lot of time watching sports. My two kids play multiple sports and, of course, I watch a lot of MLS soccer. I also love to hike, fish and be outdoors. Living in the Midwest, in a rural area and commuting into the city, allows me to spend a lot of time outdoors.