Employer: Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer
Title and Practice Area: Partner, Appellate and Supreme Court

What was the most valuable lesson you learned in your first year practicing law? I learned early to take ownership of every matter I'm on and never treat myself as just a "first-year." With appropriate deference to senior colleagues, I expressed views on legal arguments and case strategy, and it garnered respect.

Describe your biggest win or accomplishment in practice. I represented Ravi Ragbir, a recognized immigrant-rights activist, in a high-profile First Amendment lawsuit. In a groundbreaking decision, the Second Circuit held that we stated a strong claim that ICE's attempt to deport Ragbir in retaliation for outspoken criticism of U.S. immigration policy violates the First Amendment.

Who is your greatest lawyer mentor, and what has he or she taught you? David Gersch, who previously headed the firm's commercial litigation practice and now litigates exclusively high-impact pro bono cases, is the best cross-examiner I've seen. He taught me always to think three moves ahead.

Please share a brief key to your success. Whether it's a client, a judge, or opposing counsel, people respond to genuine passion in a lawyer's argument. Sometimes it's a sense of outrage, or indignancy, and sometimes it's a quieter, more subtle expression of what's right and wrong. But I always search for the argument I can convey passionately.