Legal Elite 2023: Young Lawyer

Title: Associate attorney

Legal specialties: I specialize in commercial, construction and real estate litigation.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Bellarmine University; law degree, George Mason University

Family: I live in Alexandria with my partner, Josh, and our two pets.

Career mentors: Bruce Blanchard and Chidi James

Most recent book read: “The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire,” by Francesca Cartier Brickell

Hobbies: Gardening, DIY home renovation projects and learning about wine and the winemaking process.

You were a law clerk. What was that like, and how did it help prepare you? Being a law clerk offers the best possible insight into the disposition of the law. In addition to honing your writing and research skills, a law clerk gains invaluable knowledge of the litigation process from understanding the thinking behind judicial decisions to witnessing the way attorneys approach their cases in court.

What’s your best advice for people interested in law school? As with any other endeavor, prepare for the journey before you set out. Find and speak with practicing attorneys who can offer real-world advice on becoming a lawyer. Join clubs and organizations focused on the law. Find internships and externships at law firms to gain practical experience. And above all, know that you’ll have days when you love what you’re doing as well as days when you question the sanity of your choice to study the law.

Check out the rest of the 2023 Legal Elite.