My job

I'm a paralegal at a midtown Manhattan law firm that specializes in mass tort litigation. I'm currently assigned to our BP oil spill cases. My responsibilities mainly include gathering documentation from clients and submitting their claims to the Gulf Coast Claims Facility.

Key Kenyon experience

At Kenyon, I took a Critical Legal Studies class, which made me more mindful of how the law often serves the interests of the wealthy while disadvantaging the poor and minorities. Similarly, an Ethics and Social Justice class I took also emphasized the importance of helping those in need and further motivated me to pursue a career in law. One of my "classical Kenyon" experiences was when I discussed the meaning of certain Bob Dylan songs with philosophy professor Don Nightingale on my WKCO radio show.

Job high point:

"My class in Critical Legal Studies made me more mindful of how the law often disadvantages the poor and minorities."

Many of the clients in the BP oil spill cases are involved in commercial fishing or the seafood industry, and speaking directly with them, hearing their stories, and being in a position to help their cause has been especially rewarding.

Outside the job:

When I'm not at work, I enjoy getting exercise and spending time in nature, which I also loved doing at Kenyon and when I studied abroad in New Zealand.