Mr. Valdez joined the firm in May 1999.  He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1994, and graduated from Fort Lewis College with a B.A. in Accounting in 1989.  He began practicing in Idaho in October 1995 with the Twin Falls County Public Defender's Office, and was Chief Deputy Public Defender prior to his employment with Benoit, Alexander, Harwood, High & Valdez, L.L.P.

     Mr. Valdez' practice emphasizes the representation of clients in civil litigation and criminal defense.  His litigation practice includes personal injury, products liability, employment, worker's compensation, and governmental entity defense.  For criminal cases Mr. Valdez provides quality representation to the accused, from DUI to the most serious felony offenses.  He is also on the Idaho Supreme Court's roster of qualified counsel for appointment in death penalty cases.