The (Atypical) Life of a First Year Associate

The first time I learned about DLA Piper’s Krantz Fellowship was during a pro bono presentation at the 2016 Summer Associate Retreat in Austin, Texas.  I knew at that moment that I would apply for the Fellowship and I hoped to be selected.  Beginning my legal career at DLA was a great honor, and that feeling was augmented when I received a phone call from Lisa Dewey in late May of 2017 informing me that I had been selected as one of two 2017 Krantz Fellows.  The idea of spending my first year at DLA dedicated solely to pro bono work seemed too good to be true, but the past year and half was as inspiring, if not more, than I had anticipated.

Within the first few weeks of the Fellowship, I was immersed in a variety of New Perimeter matters, which allowed me to connect with DLA attorneys from other states and countries, with whom I have maintained contact.  I worked with a team in collaboration with Heartland Alliance International researching juvenile justice issues.  At the same time, I was a part of New Perimeter’s initiative to provide assistance to the Government of Georgia in the country’s participation at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.  As the year progressed, I became involved in other New Perimeter matters focused on drafting trial advocacy manuals for developing countries.  I also worked with a team to deliver an extensive memo on establishing the crime of genocide by evidentiary standards in an effort to support the future accountability for victims of statewide violence.  My involvement with New Perimeter not only enriched my understanding of legal issues around the world, but also created a sense of fulfillment knowing that my work was aimed at bettering the lives of others in need. 

Aside from my research and writing-based experiences, I had the exciting opportunity to participate in one of New Perimeter’s many global trips.  In August of 2018, I traveled with a group of DLA attorneys from around the world to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where we partnered with the East African Development Bank (EADB) to deliver a five-day training to 40 mid-level government lawyers on negotiating international agreements.  The training consisted of a simulation exercise where participants spent a majority of the week negotiating a complex deal from start to finish.  I was inspired by the opportunity to work alongside and learn from such talented and dedicated DLA attorneys, who mentored the participants effortlessly (or seemingly so) and with great enthusiasm.  I admired the participants’ eagerness to learn and apply their knowledge throughout the week.  To make a great week even better, the EADB team generously took the time to show us around their beautiful city.  As this was my first time traveling anywhere in Africa, I was thankful for the time to explore and learn a bit about the Tanzanian culture. 

New Perimeter is the epitome of the notion that lawyers have an obligation to serve and better the lives of others, no matter where they are located or what area of law they specialize in.  My time spent with New Perimeter as a Krantz Fellow has made me a better lawyer, and I am grateful to all those who made my experiences possible.  I look forward to staying connected with New Perimeter throughout my legal career and encourage all attorneys to take advantage of the many ways to become involved in this noteworthy initiative.