Leaving Big Law to Make a Difference

I came to the Institute for justice wanting to defend the constitutional rights of everyday Americans.

I had clerked for Judge Jordan on the Third Circuit and Judge O’Scannlain on the Ninth Circuit and then spent several years working as an associate in the appellate practice at Hogan Lovells. It was rigorous and interesting work—but I wanted to focus more on issues I really cared about—constitutional law and civil rights. I wanted to represent people who otherwise wouldn’t have a way to protect and defend their rights from government overreach.

Now, as an Attorney at IJ, that’s all I do. I’ve handled constitutional law cases across the country, fighting to defend the free speech rights of people who give advice for a living, fighting for small business owners against eminent domain abuse, and fighting against abusive civil forfeiture practices.

One of my main focuses is representing people who’ve been unfairly targeted by government officials simply because they spoke up against them. When thick-skinned officials retaliate against people for speaking their mind, we get to step in to make sure the Constitution is enforced.

And it’s incredibly fulfilling. Every day I get to work to push the law in the right direction to protect the Constitutional and civil rights of everyday Americans.

If you’re clerking or billing long hours at a firm, you’re wondering what might be next in your legal career, and you’re drawn to the kind litigation that changes lives and makes the world a better place, I hope you’ll consider a job at IJ.