Claudette is a fifth-generation Californian who grew up in a pioneer winemaking family in Santa Clara County. After graduating from Saratoga High School, she became a “Double Duck” earning undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Oregon. As a collegiate field hockey and volleyball player, she is a member of the Order of the O for Varsity letter winners.
After gaining admission to the California and Oregon State Bars, Claudette served as an assistant district attorney in addition to representing plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation with an emphasis on insurance defense. Ten years of private practice led Claudette to public service as an administrative law judge. In that position, she adjudicates workers’ compensation and OSHA cases and mediates those disputes along with state and federal civil litigation. Claudette is a past adjunct instructor in trial practice at the University of Oregon School of Law, as well as guest lecturer in ADR and criminal law. She is a frequent author and speaker who focuses on conflict resolution and legal ethics. Claudette is a recipient of the Oregon State Bar President’s Membership Service Award recognizing her work investigating complaints involving the unauthorized practice of law and ethics violations.
Claudette joined Rotary in 1999. Since that time she has served as club president, AG and Executive AG in addition to her service on numerous club and district committees, including the Nominating, Credentials and Elections, Membership, Strategic Planning and DRFC Committees. She is a Charter Interact Club Advisor, graduate of the District Leadership Academy and a PETS Instructor. Claudette is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, who was selected as Rotarian of the Year by her club. She is a recipient of RI’s Four Avenues of Service Award.
Joining her children in their activities has prompted Claudette’s involvement in many community organizations. She has served many roles from unit leader to a board member in both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She recently completed her service as District Chair of the Boy Scout’s Greenwood District. She is a 2015 recipient of that organization’s Award of Merit, having previously been recognized by the Girl Scouts with an Appreciation Pin.
Claudette’s husband, Jim, is a litigation claims manager for a public entity insurer. The couple has two adult daughters and a teenage son, all of whom have ties to Rotary through Interact, Rotaract, and RYLA. In their leisure time, Jim and Claudette enjoy tennis, the outdoors, a good glass of wine and time spent with friends and family.