Elaine brings a rare blend of compassion, dedication, and deep-rooted public service to her work in family law. Born and raised on the island of Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Elaine grew up surrounded by role models in public service, her family members served in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of local government. Inspired by that tradition, she set her sights on a career that would allow her to serve her community, wherever she called home.
Elaine’s path took her to Washington state, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Philosophy from Seattle University, followed by a Master’s in Public Administration. Always eager for a challenge, she pursued her law degree at Seattle University School of Law while completing graduate school—graduating in 1999.
After clerking for the CNMI Family Court, Elaine returned to Washington, passed the bar in 2000, and began her legal career at a small personal injury firm in North Seattle. While helping clients navigate insurance claims was rewarding, it was when she took on her first family law cases that she found her true calling.
For more than fifteen years, Elaine has worked with families facing some of life’s most difficult transitions—divorces, custody and support disputes, relocations, and domestic violence matters. She approaches every case with empathy, patience, and a focus on reducing stress while achieving the best possible outcome.
When she’s not advocating for clients, Elaine loves spending time with her family and two dogs. She’s also deeply at home in the Pacific Northwest, where she’s more likely to be found enjoying the region’s natural beauty than anywhere else in the world.
