Leaving BigLaw to Challenge the Surveillance State

I clerked on the Fifth Circuit and, all told, spent about six-and-a-half years in BigLaw. That was honestly much longer than I’d intended. I knew I didn’t want to spend my entire career in BigLaw, but I wasn’t sure what I’d do next. I wanted a job that was intellectually challenging, morally rewarding, and collegial. That job is IJ.

Sending my resume to IJ turned out to be the best career move I’d ever made.  After starting here, I was able to litigate an issue I’ve long been passionate about: pushing back against unrestrained government surveillance. Nothing chills people more than knowing that the government might be watching their every move. Since starting at IJ, I’ve been able to work on cutting-edge Fourth Amendment cases and other constitutional rights cases, including, for example, challenging mass surveillance using automated license plate readers. At IJ, I worked on the first civil case challenging automated license plate reader surveillance to move beyond the motion-to-dismiss stage and have since filed a second.

When I say I “work on” these cases, I mean that I’m lead counsel. Because at IJ, there is no partner taking all the credit. Since joining IJ, I’ve argued two complex summary-judgment motions. Soon I’ll argue my first appeal. I’ve taken scores of depositions. And I’ve had stand up opportunities beyond litigation, including speaking in front of legislatures and doing interviews with national and local media outlets.

In all those endeavors, I’ve been supported by my colleagues. There’s a team spirit at IJ that comes from a common purpose of advancing liberty and helping victims of government abuse who have nowhere else to turn.  When you need help or advice, everyone from management on down is willing to jump in. The support of my incredible colleagues has made the job even more rewarding and has helped me grow as an advocate.

I came to IJ looking for the opportunity to work on intellectually challenging, meaningful constitutional rights litigation. What I found is a place where I can take real ownership of important cases, alongside people who make me a better lawyer.

If you’re in BigLaw and looking for an opportunity to do something more, I hope you’ll consider joining me at IJ.