Are you from the area? What made you want to attend Albany Law School?
Yes, I am from the area.  I was raised in Mechanicville about 20 miles north of Albany.  I attended St. Michael's College in Vermont, where I majored in History and minored in Spanish and Global Studies.  My study of History gave me an understanding of the critical importance of the rule of law, and that fueled my passion to attend law school.  After paying off some of my undergraduate debt and gaining some work experience, I enrolled at Albany Law School. 

Did you study abroad in college at all?
Yes, during my time at St. Michael’s, I had the opportunity to go to Chile, where I did a language and culture-intensive program.  It was truly a life changing experience, broadening my horizons both intellectually and culturally.  As part of this program, I did an independent study project in Arica, Chile, studying how the LGBTQ population lives in that country.

What made you want to attend law school?
In addition to my deep respect and appreciation for the importance of the judicial system and rule of law for a functional democracy, my work experience was also a motivating factor. I worked for approximately seven years at the Departments of Labor and Public Service, respectively, in law-related positions.  That piqued my interest in becoming an attorney myself.

What type of law are you looking to practice after you graduate?
There are so many areas of law that I find fascinating, that it is difficult to pick one.  I have a diverse range of interests, including cybersecurity, technology, government, employment, general corporate law, and corporate formation.  I plan on keeping an open mind and exploring the different opportunities that are available upon graduation.

Students interested in the Albany Law School-NYSBA Summer 2019 Law Student International Internship Program should contact Professor Peter Halewood at phale@albanylaw.edu.

So, you just got back from an internship in Panama City. How did you apply and how was it?
I applied through Albany Law School, which has an internship program in partnership with the New York State Bar Association's International Section. There was a list of countries to apply to work in, and the application asks students to list their first three choices of that list.  Panama was in my top three, and due to my background in Spanish, it was a great fit.  The firm I worked for is called Lombardi Aguilar Group, in Panama City. The firm practices in many areas of the law, but I worked mostly in corporate formation.   It was an excellent experience to immerse myself in an important area of law and work alongside individuals with many years of practical work experience.

Any other internships or experiences of note?
Since February 2018, I’ve worked in the Government Relations department of Jackson Lewis, P.C. in Albany.  I’ve been spending a significant amount of time in the New York State Capital, where I’ve been involved in bill tracking, and attending legislative committee meetings.  I also do a large amount of legal research.  This experience has greatly expanded my legal skills and my ability to think on my feet, sometimes under tight deadlines.  It’s an exciting position and I really enjoy the challenge. 

Last year I completed a field placement with the Center for Internet Security, Inc.  This is a wonderful non-profit organization that promotes a variety of cybersecurity standards and best practices.  I really enjoyed the opportunity it provided to expand my knowledge of cybersecurity law.

How are you involved on campus?
Currently, I'm the Managing Editor for Submissions for the Government Law Review, which tasks me to secure articles for publication.  To that end, I solicit authors to publish their work with us and review articles that are submitted.  

I am also on the Sex Trafficking Committee as part of the Capital District Women's Bar Association, which works to raise awareness of this issue.

Based on your experience in law school, do you have any advice for incoming students?
Time management is critical.  I would also try to avoid becoming bogged down in the minutia and keep the big picture in mind. 

What is one fun fact about you that people might not know?
I love scuba diving.  While I was in Panama, I was able to dive in Coiba National Park, and saw my first manta ray.