Prior to law school, Allison developed soft skills by working in food service and restaurants. Starting at the age of 18, she worked for several customer service giants, including Disney, Nordstrom, and more locally, McMenamins. By the time Allison went into law school, she had worked her way into management roles.
During law school, Allison took on a demanding two-year externship with the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. After learning the ropes of criminal law and procedure, Allison spent her second year as a certified law student managing a full misdemeanor case load of her own. Throughout this time, she presented many cases in front of both the bench and juries, and was given the opportunity to take the lead in a felony trial. Allison also handled approximately half of the civil commitment docket, which provided her with weekly experience arguing cases before a judge and allowed her significant insight into the intersection between the law and mental health in Oregon.
Along with her background in customer service, Allison also spent many years in community theater, as both talent and in backstage management roles for productions such as assistant directing and vocal directing. Those industry experiences have helped Allison build a substantial toolbox of skills that directly translate to her work as an attorney. Not only has building connections, empathy, levelheadedness under pressure, and organization played a huge part in that translation, but also has given her the confidence needed when appearing in court.
“Every case and client is unique, and law is not a ‘one size fits all’ profession. I aim to know each of my clients’ cases as thoroughly as possible so I can keep them well-informed of their options based on their individual situation and needs.”
Allison and her partner live in Vancouver with their delightful five-pound dog, Jellybean. Allison enjoys weekends relaxing at home, spending time with family, and exploring in the community, as weather permits. She also enjoys reading, creative writing, attending the theater, and horseback riding. Allison has a deep interest in history which she has fostered through travel, and enjoys taking trips as often as she can, especially internationally.
