I was born in Cape Town, South Africa, which I consider one of the most beautiful places in the world. I have earned a number of degrees from the University of Cape Town, including a Graduate degree in Economics, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and a Bachelor of Science in Math and Computer Science.
A passion for the law led me to earn my Juris Doctor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. I am admitted to the California Bar, the Oregon Bar and the District of Columbia Bar. In 2003, I continued my studies and achieved an MBA from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, United Kingdom. Additionally, I completed the Trial Advocacy Program from International Association of Defense Counsel in Boulder Colorado, and I was a member of the American Inns of Court.
The firms that I have been employed at include Gelfand & Gelfand in Beverly Hills, California, and Middlebrook, Kaiser & Popka, in Palm Springs, California, where I was a partner.
When I am not practicing law, I enjoy teaching (I was an instructor at Phoenix University, where I taught law for undergraduate and MBA programs), fine and ethnic dining, traveling, reading (especially political, historical and espionage novels), and spending time with my wife, children and friends. I am a fervent rugby, soccer and cricket fan, and watch these sports whenever possible. Anyone who knows me will tell you I am an ardent fan of the English Premier League.
