Candidate for
Council Member; City of Belmont

Charles was born and raised in San Mateo County. Charles resides in Belmont with his wife of 11 years, Jessica, and his two daughters, Sophia (5th grade) and Sara (3rd grade) who attend Belmont's excellent public schools.

Charles attended and graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1993. After high school, he attended and graduated from UC San Diego with a B.A. in Political Science and minors in both Psychology and Law & Society. After college, Charles returned to the Peninsula and joined the work force. He spent two years working in the commercial equipment leasing industry and rapidly rose from a clerical position to management. Despite his success, he had always hoped to become an attorney and decided to apply to law school. Charles was accepted by and attended Santa Clara University School of Law from which he holds a Juris Doctor degree. During law school, he was successful in attaining highly sought after law clerk positions with both the San Mateo County and Santa Clara County District Attorney's offices.

Charles worked very successfully as an attorney with a respected Redwood City litigation firm for seven years. He attained excellent results for his clients and became highly regarded as an adversary. He developed a reputation within his firm as a creative, fair, honest, and hard-working attorney with strong advocacy and negotiation skills. His responsibilities eventually included helping to manage and run the firm. Several years ago, Charles decided to open his own small law practice in Belmont in order to allow more time for engaging on community issues, volunteering, and spending time with his wife and children. Opening his own firm also allowed Charles to help continue developing his skills as a business owner and to understand, first-hand, the challenges presented to small business in Belmont.

Community engagement and volunteering are very important to Charles. He has been a school library volunteer, a classroom volunteer, and a volunteer with School-Force (Belmont-Redwood Shores District Public School Foundation.) Charles in his second term as School-Force's Endowment Chair and has been a member of the Major Donor team since 2010. Until recently, he was also responsible for School-Force Scholar Circle Fleece management and distribution. Charles has also volunteered as a soccer, softball, and basketball coach and referee. He is proud to have been a volunteer with the San Mateo County High School Mock Trial Program for almost ten years.