Tell us a little about yourself, your practice, and how you came to Nixon Peabody.
I joined the firm last year after graduating from Northeastern University School of Law. I was fortunate enough to intern with the Community Development Finance Group in our Washington, DC, office during my last semester of school. That internship introduced me to the world of New Markets Tax Credits, which is where I practice today.
What inspired you to go into military service? And how has your military career prepared you for the legal industry?
Joining the military was always something I wanted to do for personal reasons, like adventuring into the unknown and learning unique skills. However, I also felt an obligation to serve by virtue of growing up in the patriotic State of Maine in the wake of the September 11 attacks. I remember watching the World Trade Center fall live on TV as a fifth grader, an event that I think either directly or subconsciously motivated many Americans to serve.
The military certainly provided me with adventures and skills like studying Arabic, rappelling out of helicopters, and folding socks PERFECTLY. All of those aside, the Army drills into every soldier the less glamorous standards of loyalty, paying attention to details, and always being prepared, which are equally important in the legal industry.
Tell us about the specifics of your military service. What branch did you serve in? How many years did you serve? Are you still on active or reserve duty?
I enlisted in the Army, where I worked in intelligence as an interrogator and linguist for five years. During that time, I was stationed in Georgia, California, and Arizona before deploying to Afghanistan for a year with Joint Special Operations Command. I left active duty in 2019 and returned to Afghanistan as a contractor for the Army for a few months before starting law school.
What lessons have military service provided you, and how has serving influenced your life personally and professionally?
I learned a lot about myself, and other people, in those five years. Teamwork and leadership ability were always important in the Army. The best teammates and leaders approached every task with optimism, competence, and when appropriate, humor. No matter the situation, it could always be worse, so I try to focus only on what I can improve within my three-foot circle.
What is your proudest personal or professional accomplishment?
When a master sergeant in a tier one unit submitted me for the Bronze Star Medal.
Have you had any (veteran/legal) mentors who have inspired your career?
I met one Air Force veteran who helped me transition from active duty to corporate America. He did not specifically inspire me to pursue a career in law, but he taught me how to write a resume that translated military experiences for civilian recruiters. I would not have this job without his help, so I try to pay that gesture forward to other veterans whenever possible.
Were you ever involved in any veteran-led organizations, and how have they impacted you/your career?
I was a part of American Corporate Partners before starting law school. The organization pairs recently discharged veterans with a mentor working in a specific career field. My mentor was a former attorney, so it was insightful to learn about how he applied his experience in the Army to his career.
For young veterans interested in a career in the law, what advice could you offer them for developing their career journey?
First, connect with attorneys to learn more about the job and decide if you really want to practice law. If you are still convinced, research the different G.I. Bill education benefits through the VA and determine which benefit best suits you. Then, ensure the law school you want to attend accepts the G.I. Bill so you can graduate without debt. Finally, never be shy about seeking help with drafting a resume or interview advice.
