Thomas I. Vanaskie of Stevens & Lee. Courtesy photo Thomas I. Vanaskie of Stevens & Lee. Courtesy photo

Judge Thomas I. Vanaskie, Stevens & Lee

What's the most important thing you've learned during the course of your career that you wish you knew as a young lawyer?

I hope young lawyers become more open to seeing judges as great mentors, guides and role models. Across my career, I found that judges are great people with a passionate affinity for what they do. Though their robes may seem intimidating, judges welcome interaction with all levels of lawyers and are delighted to discuss the profession, law and their judicial philosophies.

I had the privilege of clerking for William Joseph Nealon Jr., then Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania who was nominated by President John F. Kennedy. Without a doubt, my time with Judge Nealon proved invaluable to fostering a sense of purpose in my career and a meaningful connection to the judicial system at large.