Called According To His Purpose

Business and Professional Career

“The rainbow! See how fair a thing God hath built up from tears.” Henry S. Sutton

I had few dreams that were not completely shattered with little time to recover in-between. Mommy-Interrupted is still my greatest heartache. Yet, it is the most marvelous mystery that from out of the ashes of each new tragedy and uprooting came a new calling and opportunity to serve others. Psalm 3:4-6.

From Mommy Interrupted to Attorney –Doctorate in Jurisprudence,

1982, Southwestern University School of Law, Los Angeles; Admitted to California Bar, December 1982.

My thanks to classmates and professors who did not let me quit when Keenan was diagnosed with brain and neurological damage and a praying Mother. American Jurisprudence Awards in Criminal Law and Evidence, President of the Los Angeles Student Trial Lawyers Assn.

Early Years

My early career was in Estate and Financial Planning, where I was also privileged to have lecturing opportunities with Chevron USA, Burroughs Industries, Bendix Corporation, U.S. Dept. HUD, Kaiser Permanente Corp., Seiko, Hughes Aircraft Corp. L.A. Dept. Water & Power, City of Anaheim, Bretcourt Financial Services, Rockwell International.

From there my career path led to multi-party litigation as defense counsel in errors and omissions litigation for accountants and attorneys.

From Mommy Interrupted to Attorney

The Big Move to the Big Valley

The ever pressing needs of my two young boys, especially Keenan’s ever evolving physical and psychiatric issues and six months of hospitalization, led me to seek a government position where the hours were more regular and a major move.

Deputy District Attorney: Felony juvenile prosecutions, long cause trial attorney for sexual assault and abused minors and support enforcement.

Deputy City Attorney: Legal advisor to the Personnel Director, Labor Relations Manager, Retirement boards and Employees' Health and Welfare Trust. Civil Service Prosecutor, litigation defense of the City’s various departments in state and federal courts, appeals and writs.

Deputy County Counsel: General civil litigation defense of the County, Civil Service Prosecutor; drafted county ordinances, resolutions, contracts and prepared formal written legal opinion and advice to Child Protective Services, Sheriff/Coroner, Department of Corrections, Public Guardian, Auditor/Controller, Tax Assessor, Tax Collector-Treasurer, Planning Department, County Clerk, and Elections.

Community Liaison officer for City Manager

Liaison between developers, community organizations and City departments staff. Co-ordinated a variety of projects with business and constituents so that they did not become delayed by “red tape.”

Return to Southern California

After my son's tragic death, I returned to Southern California—“He leadeth me” not just to my own personal healing in the secluded valley of a Mt. San Jacinto, but to another magical mystery tour into healing ministry and the genesis of a spiritual retreat center — Abba Acres. As he grew Abba Acres Retreat ministry.

Judge Pro Tempore in 3 counties: Juvenile Courts, Family Law Courts, and Probate

Seminar Lecturer:

California Public Management Association
California Association for Student Parents

Legal instructor and Adjunct Professor

California State University, Los Angeles: Estate Planning and Retirement Planning
University of California, Riverside Associate professor for paralegal studies
Hemet-Mt. San Jacinto Bar Association, President
American Inns of Court
Riverside County Superior Court Planning Commission
Central California Labor Relations Roundtable

American Bar Association Committee on Professional Liability
Board of Directors, Center for Conflict Resolution, mediation panel member
Central California Labor Relations Roundtable
American Bar Association Committee on Professional Liability
Board of Directors, Center for Conflict Resolution, and mediation panel member
Board of Directors, Los Angeles Christian Legal Society

Business Community

Charter Member Banning Sunrise Rotary Club
Founding member of Core Area Business & Merchants Committee, Banning CA

Volunteer Work with Children and Families

Parent Advisory Committee for Gifted and Talented Education
Chapter President, California Association for Neurologically Handicapped Children
Board of Directors, President, Association for Academic Excellence
Board of Directors Central Valley Right to Life
Board of Directors, Madera County Child Abuse Prevention Council
Board of Directors, Madera Women's Shelter

Coplin House LLC, restoration of historic commercial building and renovation for professionals and small business entrepreneurs; Founder and Director of Abba Acres Retreat Ctr on Mt. San Jacinto. President, TORCA LLC real estate investments.
Professional equities and options trader.

While I vowed never to return to the practice of law, that was not God’s plan. How big was HIS plan? The practice grew so fast that I had to buy a historic building that the City wanted to tear down and put up a parking lot. Coplin House LLC was formed with friends, Don and Marylou, who walked with me through the darkest months after Keenan’s death. Despite seeing me unable to function in such grief and despair all those many long months, they risked investing in a half interest. It not only housed my staff and law practice but became an incubator for many new entrepreneurs and professionals. My hands were empty when I moved there—but how God likes to fill empty hands!