After high school and a number of years gathering life experience in various jobs which included driving, printing, contracting, shipping and receiving, inventory, and others, I acquired a college education and subsequently settled into a career in law and writing using photography and computers as support adjuncts to both endeavors. Herein is a brief summary of my professional history and experience.
Law Link to list of clients
Since entering the field of law in 1981, I have accrued almost 20 years of legal experience, mainly in torts, civil appeals, business and contract litigation and a small amount of Federal criminal practice. My acumen and understanding of the operation and function of law is extensive.
Legal specialties include both library and computer research (legal, medical, business, general), legal writing (motions, briefs, opinions, narratives and other legal documents), large case management, document management and retreival, computerized litigation support (including the creation, maintenance and administration of databases and spreadsheets, as well as expertise in data transfer and digital communications).
Skills: Research (legal, medical, corporate, business, civil & criminal, government), fact checking, case management, computerized litigation support (databases, spreadsheets, data transfers, communications), legal writing (motions, briefs, opinions, narratives, correspondence, timelines), review and analysis of facts, legal issues and law, discovery, trial preparation, investigation, legal photography, evidence, and trial assistance. Areas of knowledge include tort law, bankruptcy, business law, contracts, banking, medical and legal malpractice, insurance law, water law, credit card processing, Uniform Commercial Code, discovery, evidence and trial preparation.
Writing Link to credits and clips
My writing was first published (poetry) in elementary school and I continue to write poetry and essays today. However, I began to seek serious publication in 1993 and have more than 100 articles in print in various magazines and books at this time.
In addition to these published works I have also written narratives, summaries, histories, statements of fact, contracts, and other legal fictions in pursuit of my career in law.
Skills: Legal writing, summaries, narratives, magazine articles, correspondence, business writing, corporate writing (Board minutes, Articles of Incorporation, manuals, business plans, organization charts, annual report summaries), essays, analyses, opinions, expositions and other forms of expository writing such as timelines, subject analysis, event history, and oral histories. Research with special expertise in law, medicine, business, corporate and fact checking. Have functional knowledge of politics, history, philosophy, sociology and economics.
Photography Link to photo gallery
As with writing, I became interested in photography as a child and avidly pursued this avocation until I entered law in 1981. Since then I have used photography extensively in support of various aspects of law, including evidentary photography, inventory, and demonstrative evidence.
In the mid 1990's I began using photography as an adjunct to accompany and support various articles I wrote. My photography has been published extensively in Signs of the Times, including five covers, as well as in Nevada Magazine, Preservation Magazine, Nevada Handbook and the Pahrump Valley Gazette. While continuing to maintain photography as an avocation, I occasionally accept contract photographic assignments.
Skills: 35mm and digital photography for all purposes including evidence, inventory, historical, marketing, advertising, corporate, product display, manuals and guides, as well as support photography for travel and other forms of writing and construction and project photography. Expertise in composition, lighting, exposure, print making, digital graphic manipulation, archival techniques and creative development.
Computers
As a perfect accompaniment to a career in law, I sought and developed an understanding and expertise in the operation and application of computers. It seemed only natural that this knowledge be integrated into every aspect of my career, thus these skills have proved invaluable in law, writing and photography.
I have developed computer troubleshooting and programming skills, which aid and support my primary areas of computer expertise: the creation and administration of databases and spreadsheets in support of litigation.
In conjunction with these skills, I have also developed an expertise in data transfer to and from various programs and clients. In keeping with the growth and usefulness of the Internet in research and communications, I have also acquired substantial knowledge and expertise in online communications.
Skills: Extensive word processing skills with Word Perfect and MS Word. Advanced knowledge and expertise in database administration and management. Functionally adequate skills with spreadsheets including construction and maintenance of future value projections, structured settlements and financial analysis. Functional skills with digital graphics manipulation, including scanning, digital photography, and graphic editing using Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro among others. Expertise in adjusting and transferring data between software clients. Expertise in online communications including all Internet functions, FTP, newsgroups (Usenet), messaging clients, online diagnostics and other analytical functions. Functional skills in HTML and web page design.
SUMMARY of EDUCATION
Pre-College:
Graduated from Boys Town High School, Boys Town, Nebraska with honors. Dean's List in junior and senior year. National Mathematics award in senior year.
College:
Attended Moorpark College, Moorpark, California, from 1972 to 1974. Major: English Literature; Minor: Library Science. Dean's List 1974 and 1974. Graduated with AA Degree.
Attended Sonoma State University, Cotati, California, from 1978 to 1980. Major: English Literature and Journalism. Dean's List 1980. Graduated with BA degree in English Literature and minor in Journalism.
Post-College:
Attended Merritt College, Oakland, California, from 1980 to 1981. Major: Law. Graduated with Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Won moot court competition both years.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Edward A. Tomchin
P. O. Box 102
Kingman, AZ 86402
E-mail: dogwood7@gmail.com