Professional Background — Before Mertens Law
I graduated in 2006 from the University of Washington School of Law with High Honors. I also have a degree in math and statistics (cum laude) from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN (with a minor in interpersonal communication).
My experience in the bankruptcy field goes back to 2005 when I was an intern at the Bankruptcy Court in Seattle, Washington. From 2006-2008 I learned an incredible amount about the bankruptcy laws and procedures from the unique perspective of the bankruptcy court itself as a law clerk for The Honorable Leslie Tchaikovsky, Bankruptcy Judge (ret.) in Oakland, California.
In 2008 when I saw the economy tanking and so many people in need of quality assistance, I knew that I could make a difference as a consumer attorney. Consumers and small business owners deserve representation that is more than just “good enough,” and my goal was–and continues to be– to provide the highest level of service to consumers and small business owners regardless of their current place on the economic ladder.
From 2008 through 2014 I represented consumers and small business owners in Oregon and Western Washington in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. For four years I managed one of the largest Chapter 13 practices in Oregon with a focus on cases with complicated issues.
Mertens Law – A New Approach to Consumer & Small Business Representation
My goal in opening Mertens Law, LLC, is to help individuals with issues I saw regularly going unaddressed in my previous experience with volume-based bankruptcy practices.
At the beginning of 2015 I put my dreams into action and spent the several months focused on researching and getting training from nationally recognized attorneys in the fields of student loan law, consumer protection laws, debt collector litigation, and mortgage laws and rules.
By understanding the financial systems behind the loans, servicers, and debt collectors, I am better able to provide individuals, families, and small business owners with a comprehensive set of strategic legal options whatever the problems they are facing.
I not only want to help my clients obtain relief, but I want to affirmatively assert consumer rights to give my clients every advantage going forward so they feel empowered to achieve future financial goals.
Why I Chose To Be A Consumer Attorney & Why I Want To Represent You:
Simply put, this is my passion: To give a voice, knowledge, and empowerment to those who are drowned out by the national banks and corporations. Are you frustrated by lack of communication and absence of rationality from lenders and collectors? I am too, and that is why I am here for you doing what I do.
Consumers and small businesses have rights under the laws, and the biggest advantage that creditors and collectors have is that many people are not aware of the full extent of these rights.
The earlier you contact me to discuss your options, the more options and leverage you may have to achieve your goals. Maintaining the status quo of scraping by day-to-day is not good enough for anyone. You deserve better.
Personal Information
Born in Portland, Oregon, I was raised in Seattle, Washington, and have since lived in the Twin Cities, Minnesota and Oakland, California. I returned to the Portland area in 2008.
In my spare time I enjoy running along the Willamette, hiking with my dog, Charlie, exploring local cuisine with friends and family, attending live music, and cheering on the Blazers (as well as some of those Seattle teams including the Seahawks and Mariners).