Assistant City Attorney, City and County of Denver
How long have you been in your current role?
I have been an assistant city attorney for five years.
What activities were you involved in during law school?
The University of Colorado Boulder has nationally renowned programs in both environmental law and environmental studies. I completed the dual-degree program, obtaining both an MS in environmental studies and a JD, so most of my time was spent in the library or completing internships. Nevertheless, I was the president and member of the Black Law 麻豆淫院 Association, a member of the Dean鈥檚 Diversity Committee, and I participated in a couple of the school鈥檚 mock trial competitions.
Tell us about your work at the Denver City Attorney鈥檚 Office. What are your areas of focus?
I arrived at the Denver City Attorney鈥檚 Office by way of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell. My practice has always primarily focused on environmental law. I represent the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment on matters ranging from public health to environmental law (e.g., Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act [CERCLA], Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [RCRA], Clean Water Act [CWA]).
What drew you to government work?
Put simply, working in the public sector is the most rewarding way I can contribute to society and earn a living. I have known since college that I wanted to work in the interest of the public.
What do you enjoy most about working in government and the City and County of Denver in particular?
On any given day, I can open The Denver Post and identify a handful of matters that I have touched in some way in my professional capacity. Denver is my family鈥檚 home. It is the center of our universe. Working day in and day out to improve my community is exceptionally rewarding.
Tell us about your proudest professional achievement. How has your work impacted you personally?
Assuming the role as one of two senior environmental attorneys (shout out to Lindsay Carder [鈥�14], another Colorado Law alum) is unquestionably my proudest professional achievement. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of intelligent, successful environmental attorneys throughout the state of Colorado. I am humbled daily by the fact that I was chosen to practice environmental law on behalf of my community. Also, getting to tell my 5-year-old son that 鈥淒ad鈥檚 work is kind of like the Lorax鈥� is pretty darn special.
Who, or what, inspires you?
First and foremost, my wife. Lara inspires me with the grace and composure that she brings to our family and her profession. She is my calming force, and she inspires me to be the best version of myself that I can be. Second, a seemingly unattainable goal. I played competitive sports for many years and learned that I thrive when someone utters the words 鈥渢hat鈥檚 impossible.鈥� I absolutely love a challenge, so being in a profession where we are expected to help problem-solve on a daily basis is unparalleled.
What advice would you give to law students interested in pursuing a career in government?
Come intern with the Denver City Attorney鈥檚 Office!