Posted September 13, 2024 in Alumni Profile
Lawrence School, 2012
B.A. The University of Akron, 2016
J.D. University of Toledo, 2019
Since graduating from Lawrence, what have you been up to?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science from The University of Akron and then went on to graduate from University of Toledo's College of Law. In 2020, I earned my juris doctorate, passed the bar exam, and kicked off my professional career working for a small family-owned law firm called Murray & Murray.
From there, I moved into a position as an assistant prosecuting attorney at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, where I worked closely with law enforcement to try juvenile cases on a first-chair basis. This experience allowed me to try a wide range of cases, giving me a strong foundation in client advocacy.
Now, as an attorney at Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis, I primarily handle civil disputes. While I do take on some criminal defense cases, my focus lies in fiercely advocating for my clients across diverse legal issues. Our firm takes pride in providing the best representation to clients throughout Ohio, and I’m passionate about resolving disputes through effective advocacy. My job is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding!
What made you decide to pursue a career in law?
I love reading and writing, so in school, I always gravitated toward English and history classes. I enjoyed them because they challenged my critical thinking and logical reasoning skills. Once I joined Lawrence’s drama club, I realized that I also love public speaking. So, combining those interests is what led me to law—well, that and the opportunity to help people.
Performing on Lawrence’s stage definitely helped me find my voice. Now I utilize that voice to provide strong advocacy to my clients. That’s the most fulfilling part of my job—providing the best possible representation to my clients and pursuing desired and tailored outcomes on their behalf.
How did Lawrence prepare you for college?
The biggest thing I gained at Lawrence was the skills to advocate for myself. I came to Lawrence as a middle schooler, and back then I had some confidence issues. When I joined the school’s theater productions, I gained a lot of self-confidence on stage. That boost was what I needed to develop close relationships with my teachers and feel comfortable communicating with them. This carried over into college, and talking with my professors after class or during office hours wasn’t frightening. This was a huge asset in my post-secondary education.
What is your favorite memory from Lawrence?
Giving a speech in front of 500 people at Bloom, Lawrence’s big spring fundraiser, was an honor and one of my best memories. I remember being a freshman and meeting with Mr. Hamilton after school. With a PowerPoint on the board, I said, ‘How do we put a speech together? I don’t know how to do this.’ He walked me through it step by step.
My speech was about the Captain Underpants series of books and how author Dav Pilkey’s struggles with dyslexia and ADHD shaped him into the successful writer he is today. My entire family was in the audience, and it was just one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.
How do you spend your free time?
I’m big on fitness and enjoy going for runs in the park, golf, tennis and working out at my local rec center. I love coffee shops and often go there to work and study my cases. I also enjoy a good social deduction game, and other mentally stimulating games with my friends.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I aspire to be a highly respected attorney known for delivering exceptional client representation. To achieve this, I’m committed to continuously expanding my legal knowledge and honing my courtroom skills. By actively seeking opportunities to litigate, I aim to build a strong track record of success in the courtroom, while also remaining deeply knowledgeable in my chosen area of law.
What advice would you give a new Lawrence student?
Lawrence has so much to offer, but it’s not an easy solution, like a pill you can swallow. You have to put in a lot of hard work. So, even if you’re feeling discouraged about school in general, don’t allow yourself to become your worst enemy. Show up, work hard, and get to know your teachers. The only way they can help you is if they know you, so make sure they do!
If you just put in the effort, you’ll be amazed at the outcomes. The classes are small and the teachers are accessible for a reason. Take advantage of it!
What advice do you have for students who learn differently?
The best thing you can do is to learn about yourself and how you personally learn best—and that’s a lot of what high school is for. Once you figure this out about yourself, then you can communicate it to others. For people who learn differently, success all comes back to your ability to self-advocate.