Prior to joining the Van Dermyden Makus team, Dustin practiced as a union-side labor attorney and juvenile defender. As a labor attorney, Dustin represented large public and private sector labor unions throughout California. Dustin has served as counsel in labor arbitrations involving harassment, assault, and theft claims. He has represented unions in administrative tribunals such as the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). When investigating labor disputes, Dustin was responsible for conducting witness interviews to assess credibility and determine whether the dispute or grievance was meritorious. Dustin’s experience representing labor unions provided him with experience working with employees at grade schools, public and private universities, hospitals, and the longshore industry.

Dustin also represented children in juvenile courts. He was appointed by the Superior Court to represent children in the welfare system and was responsible for ensuring that his clients were protected from further abuse and neglect. As a juvenile defender, Dustin represented children of all ages—from newborn babies to young adults—and was responsible for serving as guardian ad litem as well as advocate. As guardian ad litem, Dustin was appointed by the court to look after the interests and wellbeing as an independent party. While working as a juvenile defender, Dustin handled cases involving assault, neglect, abuse, and substance abuse.

Dustin earned his J.D. from the University of California, Davis School of Law in 2022. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, Riverside in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History, Law and Society.

Outside of his legal and investigative work, Dustin can be found spending time with his lovely wife and beautiful baby daughter. When not with his wonderful family, Dustin can be found riding his bike or buying too many records at his local record store.

CA State Bar No. 350119