Employer: U.S. Department of Justice
Title and Practice Area: Assistant Attorney General, Government

What was the most valuable lesson you learned in your first year of practice? Dependability. Unlike law school, where the professor already has the answer to the test, in law practice, your colleagues and clients depend on you to find them the right answer, key case and best argument. You need to be the person who is dedicated to getting it right.

Describe your biggest win or accomplishment in practice. It has been an honor to work at the U.S. Department of Justice. In part, due to our policies, violent crime has dropped over 4.3%, and we are starting to see a decline in the number of drug deaths. We have also been confirming qualified, principled judges at a record pace.

Who do you consider to be your greatest lawyer mentor? I've been fortunate to have two wonderful mentors. Tom Yannucci at Kirkland &Ellis is an incredible litigator and a gifted client counselor; he taught me the value of both. And no one has been more generous than Judge Richard Wesley [of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit], a model of intelligence, kindness and decency.

Please share a key to your success. Building relationships is key. I make it a point to schedule time to get to know my colleagues. Especially in government, where you share a common mission and client, the relationships you form can be strong and lasting.