I'm a friendly, bright, regular guy who's been curious about almost everything since he was a boy. I'm still kind of a kid at heart, and I like to laugh and have fun. But I know how to be serious, too, when there are issues to discuss and decide. I'd like to build a relationship where we each want to help the other--where we're not only lovers, but also great friends.

I'm told I also have a romantic side. If not wanting to stop kissing a lady I really like is any indication, that's probably true. Lips, neck, shoulders, eyelids, cheeks, ears, hair . . . uh--where was I? Oh, and it's fun to surprise her by taking care of some chore so she won't have to. I've lived on my own long enough to be pretty good at doing all sorts of things around the house, and that stuff is second nature to me by now.

After working a long time in store management for Trader Joe's, I was lucky enough to be able to return to school in the mid-'90's. I decided on a law school in St. Louis, and after three memorable years, I graduated with my J.D. I then came back to L.A. and began working for a private firm downtown. After a while (and God only knows how) I passed the Cal. Bar Exam. Can't resist the old gag here: "First bar I'd ever passed. . . ."

I hope to keep carving out a career in environmental and land use law, all the time learning and sharpening my skills. The work can be demanding, but I like the mental stimulation. If you don't like lawyers in general, all the more reason you should meet me--you'd change your mind.

I bought a duplex several months ago, and little by little I've been fixing it up. It's sort a thrill to see it all coming together--the inside of my place is about finished, and at last I've got the other side ready to rent. Pretty soon, I'll start landscaping the yard. Maybe I'll plant a vegetable garden and a few roses while I'm at it--and a nice big vine to block my view of the neighbor's garage.

I especially like profiles that say a lot about interests, plans, hopes, talents, tastes, or anything else that comes to mind. Shows me you're interested, and that you're smart. If anyone ever told you men don't like women to be too intelligent, they weren't talking about me. That's my favorite type!

I like to keep a first meeting pretty simple--maybe coffee or a drink. Then if we want, we can make the next one a real date.