Veteran Student Profiles

What led to you pursue a law degree?

Before law school, I served in the United States Army for about four years. I separated from service as a First Lieutenant. My primary role was as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer, though much of my work ultimately focused on Public Affairs. After leaving the Army, I became a paralegal at a VA disability law firm so I could continue serving the veteran community and maintain a strong connection to military service. That experience reinforced my desire to pursue a legal career advocating for veterans.

How has Seattle University School of Law benefited you? What have you found most valuable during your law school experience?

Law school was always something I envisioned for myself. I remember being young and telling my dad that I wanted to sue McDonald’s for false advertising because the Happy Meals never looked like they did in the commercials. As life moved on, my focus shifted to raising my two boys. After working at the firm for about a year, my desire to become a lawyer was reignited. Seeing the impact of our work for veterans, and having the full support of the firm, gave me the confidence to finally pursue law school.

What are your professional and personal goals after law school?

Seattle U has benefited me most by placing me in a community of peers and faculty who are genuinely committed to social justice and advocacy, which is something I care deeply about. The courses and seminars I’ve taken have challenged the way I think about legal systems and pushed me to consider what justice actually looks like in practice, not just in theory. The most valuable part of my law school experience has been the growth in my critical thinking skills. I have learned how to question assumptions, analyze systems more intentionally, and approach problems with a broader and more thoughtful perspective. Throughout this process, I have felt genuinely supported by my professors, which has made the experience so much more rewarding.