1. What is your practice area?

I am a full time mediator and practice through Judicate West. I mediate cases throughout California. Before I became a mediator, I was a business litigator with Paul, Hastings in Los Angeles, and was an in house litigation attorney at Bank of America in San Francisco.

2. Do you have a particular emphasis?

I mediate negligence cases of all types, including auto accidents, premises liability, and professional negligence. I also focus on commercial and real estate disputes, including failure to disclose, construction, neighbor disputes, breach of contract and employment disputes.

3. Why did you decide to become a lawyer?

I believed that a law degree would provide a variety of career opportunities, whether with an agency, a corporation, or in a private practice. Unlike many young college graduates today, I did not take time between college and law school to explore the work force. This was less common in my generation. So, at the age of 20, I entered law school without knowing what I wanted to do with my law degree, but believing it would be a valuable tool to have.

4. Why do you live in Marin?

I thrive in the outdoors, and can’t imagine living without trees, mountains and water in my surroundings. Being from So Cal, I like warm weather and sunshine, and appreciate Marin summers over the fog and chill of summer in SF!

5. What do you love to do when you are not busy practicing law?

I love to hike, bike, and spend time in Lake Tahoe whenever I can. If I can’t be outdoors, I enjoy travel, learning new languages, socializing with friends, music, dancing, and cooking.

6. Tell us about your family.

This one is easy! My family is the most important part of my life. I have been married for 35 years to the love of my life, John Feder. Together we have raised three wonderful children, Allison (30), Davey (27) and Matt (21). I am grateful for their love and support every day.

7. If you could pursue any other career besides law, what would it be and why?

When I became a first time pet owner in 2000, I realized that I love being around animals. I fell completely and totally in love with my golden retriever, Cassie (just ask my husband and children) She is no longer with us, but now I realize that I would have loved being a veterinarian if I hadn’t chosen law.

8. Why did you join MCBA?

I took a 20-year hiatus from practicing law to be a stay at home mom. When I re-entered the profession as a mediator, I knew I wanted to be part of a community, as I had been with my kids’ school communities. I wanted the camaraderie, connections and support that MCBA provides, and have been a member since I began working again.

9. Why did you become a Director?

The best way to connect with an organization and its members is to volunteer in leadership. I became a Director because I knew that by doing so I could better integrate into the Marin legal community and connect with my colleagues. I am also the new chair of the ADR Section, and serve on the Board of the nonprofit organization Youth in Arts in San Rafael.

10. If you had to pick a single highlight of your career, what would it be?

I am very proud of having been able to reinvent myself and reestablish my career at a time when some of my peers are looking towards retirement. I feel very fortunate to have been able to switch gears once my children were grown in order to focus on myself, my career goals and my new identity. I enjoy speaking to young women lawyers about this life transition, and about the work/life choices that professional women face and balance every day.