II. Plusses/challenges of your practice area?
(subquestions: What role do you play? With whom do you interact
in your role?)
Attorneys who work in these fields are dedicated to the public interest
and public service. We deal with many civic minded people, such
as executive directors of nonprofit organizations.
III. Core skills/key knowledge needed in your practice
area? (e.g. Do you need to know a lot about tax and finance to
practice AH&CDL?)
Organization, tax, real estate.
IV. "Social Justice and Economics": Discuss a deal you
have done that has made a difference.
Our biggest client is Habitat for Humanity. We have helped 150
low-income families close on new homes.
V. Advice to lawyers and law students interested in your
practice area?
Become involved as soon as possible in civic organizations. Donate
your time while you are young and have the time.
VI. Suggested reading and other resources in your practice
area?
Read the ABA Journal of Affordable Housing and Community Development
Law.
VII. Career path to current position: How did you get
to where you are today? In hindsight, are there other steps you
would recommend instead?
I worked at Legal Aid for 8 years. This was a great experience,
and allowed me to be responsible for my own cases at an early
age. Being a big fish in a smaller pond is the best way to start
out.
VIII. A memorable career moment:
A memorable career moment was being hugged at a closing by a tearful
woman purchasing a Habitat for Humanity home.