I grew up on Long Island, NY. I am the first person in my immediate family to graduate college. However, hard work was something that was instilled in me from a young age. My parents worked as a secretary and an x-ray technician. My grandparents on my father’s side were both in the Air Force prior to working in various factories, and my grandfather on my mother’s side was in the Navy and then a career plumber in New York. When I was 12 years old, I first learned about the bystander effect and decided that I wanted to play an active role against that concept and do my part to stand up for those who needed it. It was then that I decided that the best way for me to do so was through pursuing a career in law. I have spent every day since pursuing this goal.
I went to college at CUNY Baruch for my undergraduate degree. I attended college while working full time. After college, I found my first legal job as a litigation paralegal in plaintiffs’ asbestos litigation, which seemed like a calling. This is where I got to help individuals and their families stand up to the companies who had wronged them by exposing them to asbestos for the first time. I applied to law school in Colorado before ever visiting the state with the intention of getting closer to nature. When I did visit, I fell in love with it. I attended the University of Denver Sturm College of Law with a significant scholarship. There, I practiced law under the Student Practice Act through internships and as a part of the Civil Litigation Clinic. Because I wanted to get out into the field, I pushed to graduate early in 2.5 years instead of 3.
I graduated law school with a job offer to join the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, where I handled a wide range of cases, including DUI, domestic violence, and child abuse cases. I participated in approximately 30 jury trials. Following that, I worked in plaintiffs’ personal injury representing victims of car and truck crashes, slip and falls, and other matters resulting in injuries or death. There, I participated in multiple jury trials and handled the resolution of many cases for my clients. Throughout my career, I have sought a way to help individuals who have been wronged and truly can benefit from a battle I can help them fight. I have always felt a pull towards plaintiffs’ asbestos litigation, and now I get to do just that. I am so grateful to get to help individuals and their families at DOBS.