Meet Jeff! Jeff was born on Camp Pendleton military base in Oceanside, California. His father was a career Marine who retired after serving for many years, and the family eventually left Oceanside. At 16, Jeff transitioned from surfing, skateboarding, and playing baseball year-round to adjusting to life in the desert, where temperatures can reach 120° F.
Shortly after high school, Jeff began his legal career, focusing on mass tort litigation. He’s worked as the lead assistant to the managing attorney in BWB&O’s Arizona office for over 20 years.
Jeff and his wife, Denisha, have two teenage daughters. Their oldest, Cali, just turned 18, recently graduated from high school, and is starting community college this fall with a focus on science. The youngest daughter, Lola, is starting her first season with a club softball team in August and is excited to travel all over Arizona for games.
The family also has a seven-month-old red-nosed pit bull puppy named Indie, who has become the unofficial ballpark pup, attending all the games and practices. When Jeff’s not on the field, you’ll probably find him cruising around town in his slammed ’65 Volkswagen Beetle.
Q&A
Q: Over your 20-year career, how has mentoring others (or being mentored) shaped your growth?
A: I’ve been fortunate to work closely with some great mentors over the years, one of whom I still work with today. Early on, I was given a great deal of trust and responsibility, which helped me grow quickly and learn through hands-on experience. That shaped how I approach supporting others now. I strive to be steady, available, welcoming, and genuine with people entering the field. I genuinely enjoy helping others find their footing and grow into their role. I love the feeling of making a difference, whether it’s in the outcome of a case or helping someone build confidence in their work.
Q: With one child in college, and another in sports, how do you find balance while staying focused at work?
A: It definitely feels like a juggling act at times, but I’ve figured out a rhythm over the years with the help of my amazing wife. I’ve learned to be fully present where I am, focused on work when I’m at work, and fully there for my family when I’m with them. Having a strong team around me in both places makes a big difference. I genuinely enjoy being involved in my kids’ lives, so I’m thankful even for the busy schedules we have at home. Does anyone know what Labubus are? That’s our family’s summer obsession. We all have one, including myself, thanks to my kids. They keep me feeling young, that’s for sure.
Q: What do you miss most about coastal life? And what other hobbies have you discovered in the desert?
A: I still miss the ocean, especially the salt in the air and the rolling green hills of Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA. There’s something about being near the water that stays with you. We try to go back a few times a year so our kids can experience it. That said, the desert has grown on me over the years. We’ve got some great lakes and rivers to cool off in during the summer, and the fall, winter, and spring weather is amazing, perfect for vacations if you’re considering a visit to the Valley of the Sun. I’ve also discovered new hobbies, such as working on my car, spending more time at the ballfields coaching, and hanging out with family and friends.
A special thank you to Jeff for sharing his experience with us!