Steven was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. He earned a B.S. from Northwestern California University School of Law and a B.S. in Legal Administration from City University of Seattle. Steven is an accomplished author who has published Ready or Not, Here I Come and The Emerald Home Run.
When he isn't working, he enjoys writing music, singing and preforming with his harmonica and guitar for individuals in the Seattle area. He roots for the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners. Steven is a frequent visitor at Tai Tung, a Chinese restaurant located in Seattle's International District.
Steven's Successful Business and Tips for Paralegals
When asked, “When did you decide to become a Paralegal?,” Steven said, “I originally sold insurance for Prudential, but I noticed that most people's estate planning wasn't met by attorneys, so I decided to make a career change and I went back to school.”
What is the best part of Steven's job? The businessman replied, “The freedom of being independent is the best part of my job. I am not under servitude by anyone else. I can come and go as I wish and I am not under the whip. I can make as much money as I want and I have no fear of losing my job and it's not as stressful as working for someone else.”
The independent paralegal discussed what he is known for professionally. Steven explained he is very knowledgeable in the area of estate planning and family law. He said he is glad he did not sell out and work at a large law firm, where he could charge his clients a lot of money.
Steven gave his opinion on the current assessment of the paralegal market in the state of Washington. The independent paralegal claimed, “There is a lot of need of premarital agreements for gay and lesbians and regular divorce. It will be a big boost of family law in that area.”
The businessman also gave his opinion about the legal field. He asserted, “The entire legal arena is way behind the times.” Steven says being an independent paralegal is not always pleasantville. He has had intense wrestling matches with the state bar. In 2001, the Washington State Supreme Court adopted GR 24 and 25, which defined the practice of law contrary to law, including the mere selection of forms. Steven filed a petition for writ of certiari in the United States Supreme Court for deprivation of his civil rights arising from the enforcement of new court rules, GR 24 and 25, against him, since the court has no authority to legislate and to enforce court rules as statutes, thereby constituting judicial activism.
The supreme court created a Practice of Law Board for GR 24 and 25, which holds out the authority to investigate persons who are not members of the bar for allegations of unlawful practice of law under RCW 2.48.180, who are not subject to the statute in the state bar act. The PLB issues cookie cutter opinions to any person who helps another person complete legal documents. The PLB holds out that persons who have never been members of the bar are not active members, contrary to the plain meaning, since not active status requires prior active status, thereby, excluding persons without prior membership. The state admitted this was the plain meaning in court, but argued non-members were implied. However, persons who have never been members of the bar are not included in the class of persons, but explicitly excluded and cannot be charged for the unlawful practice of law under RCW 2.48.180.
The legislature specifically defined not active members of the bar to include suspended and disbarred persons from membership, thereby intentionally excluding all other classes of persons under the canon of expressio unius est exclusio alterius, meaning, that which is expressed deems all other intentionally excluded. The state responded to Steven's presentation of the rules of construction with a motion in limine to order the law constituting the class of persons to be suppressed from argument before the jury. The court, being a member of the same bar association, granted the order in limine on the spot, contrary to the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which guarantees an accused the right to argue the law of the case before the jury. You read right, the court ordered in limine for the exclusion of the law that defines the class of persons subject to the charge. However, the court allowed the state to argue GR 24 and 25, as the law, which has no force of law or liability by its own terms. The case is now on appeal before the Washington State Supreme Court.
Since Steven has twenty-one years of experience as an independent paralegal, many readers may want to know what his advice is to new and recent legal staff members. He declared, “Get a good paralegal degree and work for an attorney.” Steven also recommends online programs provided by California. He noted that some schools in California will permit individuals to study for four years and then they can become an attorney.
What would Steven tell students who are contemplating becoming a paralegal? He said, “Learn Spanish as part of your paralegal training because there is a high demand on the West Coast for Spanish speaking professionals. If you know a language, you can walk into court with your client so you can translate for them.”
Steven was asked, “where will you be in five years?,” The independent paralegal answered, “I take one day at a time.” However, Steven did acknowledge that he writes a lot and he hopes someone will publish his music so he can transition as a full time songwriter.
If Steven wasn't a legal staff member, what would he be doing? He quickly replied that he would go to Nashville or Los Angeles so he could pursue a career as a musician.
Steven is motivated everyday because “there is tremendous demand for people who can't afford an attorney.”
Steven's Mentors, Volunteer Activities, Respects Non-profit Organizations, and a Rewarding Job
Although Steven's mentors in the legal field have passed away, he has the ultimate respect for Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and John Adams.
Steven teaches Sunday school at church. He also volunteers his time by entertaining individuals with his music. “I do a lot of charitable work through my music.”
Steven admires the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The organization is dedicated to the elimination of cancer and related diseases as causes of human suffering and death. The independent paralegal also respects Danny Thomas and everything he has done to establish St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases.
Why does the businessman find his job rewarding? Steven stated, “People thank me because they can see their kids. It's great helping people get through tough situations.”
