Trent has been an employer advocate for more than twenty years. He holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Washington, a JD from Willamette University College of Law and certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). He is licensed to practice law in Oregon, Washington, and the federal courts. Trent provides employer-clients with pragmatic legal advice designed to reinforce organizational values and limit potential liability in employment-related matters. He assists clients with a broad range of issues, including discipline and discharge, reinstatement of injured workers, discrimination, statutory leave, handbook development, wage and hour issues, internal investigations and regulatory compliance. He also represents employers with discrimination complaints pending before the EEOC or state civil rights agencies. In addition, Trent represents employers with union relationships in collective bargaining, and grievance arbitrations, as well as in related administrative hearings and appeals. He presents workshops on sexual harassment, union avoidance, policy administration and related topics and has written extensively on legal and policy issues affecting employers. Trent began with Cascade Employers Association as a legal intern in 1982, became Staff Attorney the following year and was named Chief Staff Attorney and Director of Labor & Employment Law Services in 1990. During the spring of 2004, Trent established Whitford Law Offices LLC.

Trent grew up in the Puget Sound area and prior to coming to Oregon, worked for Seattle First National Bank, in property management, and in the performing arts.