Professional Experience
I was born and raised in Washington County and attended Portland State University as an undergraduate. In 2014, I spent six months living in Cameroon where I volunteered in an orphanage and assisted at a local school. While I was there, I studied ethical philanthropy and best practices in international development. At Portland State University, I majored in Community Development and gained an interest in local issues. Toward the end of my program, I became interested in the criminal justice system, including the potential for it to be improved to achieve better outcomes for all involved. The focus of my undergraduate capstone was on racial inequity in the voir dire process.
Before, during, and after my undergraduate program, I worked as a ghost writer and content developer for a public relations company. My love of writing proved to be essential as I completed my undergraduate program and began my law school journey.
After graduating from Portland State University, I attended the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College. During my time at law school, I had the opportunity to gain experience working for the Office of the State Public Defender in Billings Montana, Public Defender Services of Lane County, the Oregon Department of Justice Child Advocacy Section, and the Superior Court of Utqiagvik, Alaska. The most valuable aspect of my work experience was the opportunity to work directly with clients facing criminal charges and to guide them through the process with empathy and understanding.
In 2022, I began working as a Certified Law Student at Harris, Velázquez, Gibbens. I have had the opportunity to work in Early Case Resolution and to develop my own caseload. I am excited to continue with Harris, Velázquez, Gibbens after graduation and to work with clients who are navigating the criminal justice system.
Personal
In my free time, I love hiking, doing yoga, playing guitar, and reading books. My daughter and I enjoy going camping, cooking together, going to the park, and painting.
Education
- Portland State University, Community Development, B.S.
- Lewis & Clark, Northwestern School of Law, J.D. Candidate 2023
Contact Sunny Sidman
Harris Velázquez Gibbens, P.C.
165 SE 26th Avenue
Hillsboro, Oregon 97123
Phone: (503) 648-4777
Fax: (503) 648-0989
Email: ssidman@harrislawsite.com