What made you interested in law as a Career?
I went to undergrad as a Political Science and Economics major. In my first year I joined the Speech and Debate team and I was enamored with everything it entailed: the reading, case writing, argumentation, research. I accelerated my undergraduate to graduate in three years because I knew I wanted to be a lawyer and wanted to start my J.D. as soon as possible!
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Unsurprisingly, reading! I love to read historical fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, and novels. My favorite recent reads were Beautiful World, Where Are You? by Sally Rooney and Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Davis. I have been a Debate Coach for the past several years and take students to tournaments on the weekend. It’s nice to see other young people developing their oral advocacy skills and I love being part of a team. I also have two dogs, Charlie and Macaroni, and they like to go for hikes and walks.
What made you want to apply to Cullen and Dykman's Summer Associate Program?
Cullen & Dykman’s history as one of the oldest firm really struck me as being part of the foundational landscape of legal work in New York. I attend Rutgers Law School-Newark and the school has developed ties with the Cullen & Dykman Newark office so I learned about the opportunity through school. I thought the split summer opportunity to work at the firm as well as In-House with New Jersey American Water was a really unique experience.
What have you enjoyed the most about Cullen and Dykman’s program so far?
I have really love how varied all the practice areas are and that attorneys are very willing to let Summers work on hands-on projects. Each day the assignment is completely different from the last and all the areas of research have been really interesting!
What academic/professional achievement are you most proud of?
As cheesy as it is probably going back to law school. I had always wanted to go back to law school but I found a first career that I loved as a teacher. I worked as an educator for six years prior to starting at Rutgers Law. Since I loved teaching so much, I only went back to school part time my first year and taught during the day. Going to school at night and teaching full time was a lot of hard work but I was really proud of myself for finishing out 1L with a 4.0 while still being a great teacher for my students.
What advice do you have for prospective Summer Associates?
When in doubt go to your mentor! The mentors here are amazing! If you have questions or you want more work, you can always talk to your mentor. Julie van Westendorp is one of my mentors and she has been so great about checking in with me, providing me with templates, and making sure I get work I am interested in!