Trial Advocacy Honors Board Position: Associate Barrister for Council Relations
Q. What are the duties of the Associate Barrister for Council Relations?
A. As the Associate Barrister for Council Relations, I am responsible for communicating with Honors Council members about upcoming assignments, office hours, activity hours and any other activities being hosted by the Trial Advocacy& Dispute Resolution Honors Board and the Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution.
Q. Where are you from?
A. I am from Barrington, IL
Q. Where did you receive your undergraduate degree and what was it for?
A. I attended Indiana University. I graduated from the Kelley School of Business with a major in Finance and minors in Economics, Psychology, and Political Science.
Q. When did you know you wanted to go to law school?
A. In high school, I developed interest in the U.S legal system.
Q. What made you choose the John Marshall Law School?
A. The John Marshall Law School has a long history and vast alumni base within Chicago. When searching for a law school I had consulted with many attorneys that had graduated from John Marshall.
Q. Out of the many Honors programs at John Marshall, what compelled you to devote your energy to the Trial Advocacy & Dispute Resolution Honors Board and Council?
A. The Trial Advocacy& Dispute Resolution Honors Board and Council seemed like a natural fit. I wanted to learn more about the skill of trial advocacy and how it related to the art of litigating. In addition, the faculty and students were very encouraging which creates a very conducive environment.
Q. What’s your dream job?
A. I have not made up my mind about what particular field I would like to practice in; however, I hope that it will allow me to further practice the skills of trial advocacy.
Q. Have you ever entered any law school competitions?
A. Yes, I participated in the 1L mock trial competition and a number of shadow teams. I am currently on the Georgetown Mock Trial Competition Team.
Q. Any advice for those people who want to be on a team?
A. Practice, Practice, Practice. Practicing trial advocacy skills is a great way to get comfortable and learn techniques, which you will utilize during mock trial team tryouts.
Q. What do you like about being in the courtroom?
A. I love the discretion that you have to choose what direction to take in a case particularly at the State’s Attorney Office.
Q. If you did not have to work, in what part of Chicago would you spend most of your time?
A. I would spend a lot of time in the south loop because I am a fan of both the White Sox and Bears.
Q: What is the most important thing you have learned so far at John Marshall?
A: Always be aware of your audience. Whether you are writing a brief or presenting to a judge/jury an argument or conclusion can be lost if directed at the wrong people.
Q: What was the most important piece of advice that you have received thus far regarding practice areas?
A. I was told recently that if you don’t enjoy what you are doing on a daily basis no matter the amount of money you are paid, you should pursue a career that is more fulfilling.
