Mark’s mood from September through November depends on BYU football. Avid is simply not strong enough; he is a rabid BYU fan. It’s no surprise he earned his B.A. and J.D. at BYU, clerked for Judge J. Clifford Wallace, and worked at Luce Forward for 17 years.

His proudest moment was a $970,000 jury verdict after being offered only $15,000 in the middle of a two week trial. You can see why he served as Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Litigation Section of the California State Bar.

He likes his current boss – he started his own firm in 2008 where he can focus on civil litigation, especially insurance, personal injury, business, and real estate litigation. He is the proud father of six, and has six grandchildren to keep him busy when he is not cruising with his wife of 31 years, Kathy.

After nearly two years as Chair of the San Diego Chapter and several years on its board, Karen finds that she has been enriched by her service. In April 2009 she passes the baton to Russ Hymus, who begins his term as Chapter Chair.

Karen, who spent much of her childhood in Germany, earned a Comparative Lit. B.A. and a Humanities M.A. from BYU. Then, married to an amazing husband (Patrick) and with three elementary age school children at home, she attended and graduated summa cum laude from Cal. Western. She received the Trustees Award as most outstanding graduate.

She clerked for a year with the Hon. David Thompson of the 9th Circuit (a career highlight), and is now a partner at Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps, LLP in the Labor/Employment practice group. She provides counseling and training on such matters as terminations, wage and hour issues, leaves of absence, harassment prevention, and medical issues. While employment litigation represents most of her practice, she also works on appellate matters.

Karen loves travel, reading, cooking, entertaining, and involvement with her children at school. She taught art history and law related classes in her children's schools and also served as President of the Westview High School Dance Troupe Boosters.

In the future she looks forward to enjoying retirement/missionary service with Patrick (hopefully in Germany).