Navy JAG Corps Summer Interns 2015

June 8th, 2015

The Navy JAG Corps is proud to welcome our 2015 summer interns

10366132_794670837212132_1522454276258342435_n Haley Morton, William & Mary Law School Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary “I applied to the Navy JAG Corps Intern program because I hope to serve as a Navy JAG after graduating from law school. I spent several summers working as a mountain guide in Colorado for children, and it was this experience that inspired me to pursue a service-based career. When I decided to attend law school, the JAG Corps seemed to be the perfect place to combine service with a law degree."     “I applied to the Navy JAG Corps Intern program because I hope to serve as a Navy JAG after graduating from law school. I spent several summers working as a mountain guide in Colorado for children, and it was this experience that inspired me to pursue a service-based career. When I decided to attend law school, the JAG Corps seemed to be the perfect place to combine service with a law degree."     GTPhillips_photo George Theodore Phillips, Georgetown University Law Center  Washington Navy Yard “My motivations are three-fold. First, I do not think I am somehow special enough to not give back to my country, while others put their lives on the line to do so on a daily basis. Second, I feel that my work as an attorney should be directed towards helping individuals I respect and admire. I care greatly about who I will represent as an attorney, and believe that working with and for our men and women in uniform is as honorable a cause as there exists in the law. Third, I have my eyes set on joining the JAG Corps after obtaining my JD, and this summer is a fantastic way to get some first-hand experience looking at what the immediate future might hold for me after Georgetown Law!"   “My motivations are three-fold. First, I do not think I am somehow special enough to not give back to my country, while others put their lives on the line to do so on a daily basis. Second, I feel that my work as an attorney should be directed towards helping individuals I respect and admire. I care greatly about who I will represent as an attorney, and believe that working with and for our men and women in uniform is as honorable a cause as there exists in the law. Third, I have my eyes set on joining the JAG Corps after obtaining my JD, and this summer is a fantastic way to get some first-hand experience looking at what the immediate future might hold for me after Georgetown Law!"   Daniel Tully Dan Tully, Stanford Law School Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary “The US Navy JAG Corps internship is a compelling opportunity because it offers thorough general litigation training as well as an introduction to the military justice system. The experience will also provide rigorous writing development and an invaluable glimpse into the lives of the men and women defending our freedom. I intern in support of that cause and am eagerly considering applying to join them after graduation.”     “The US Navy JAG Corps internship is a compelling opportunity because it offers thorough general litigation training as well as an introduction to the military justice system. The experience will also provide rigorous writing development and an invaluable glimpse into the lives of the men and women defending our freedom. I intern in support of that cause and am eagerly considering applying to join them after graduation.”     CIMG0843Vincent Kregear, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law Region Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic “I enlisted in the Navy when I was 18 and spent the next 9 years as an Electronics Technician. During my final tour as an Individual Augmentee I decided to change the path of my naval career. I applied to the internship program because I fully intend to become a Navy Judge Advocate. During my 9 years as an enlisted sailor I observed instances where the interests of the Navy were not adequately represented under the law and the resulting difficulty this caused for both commands and sailors. However, as my career progressed I grew to appreciate the overwhelming majority of situations, where the hard work of the lawyers in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps gave the Navy the ability to run smoothly, course-correct, and generally move forward. These law-trained sailors are the oil in the well-oiled machine that is the United States Navy.  I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my deck plate experience to such a great team of Navy Judge Advocates during this summer internship and look forward to very soon donning my uniform once again.”   “I enlisted in the Navy when I was 18 and spent the next 9 years as an Electronics Technician. During my final tour as an Individual Augmentee I decided to change the path of my naval career. I applied to the internship program because I fully intend to become a Navy Judge Advocate. During my 9 years as an enlisted sailor I observed instances where the interests of the Navy were not adequately represented under the law and the resulting difficulty this caused for both commands and sailors. However, as my career progressed I grew to appreciate the overwhelming majority of situations, where the hard work of the lawyers in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps gave the Navy the ability to run smoothly, course-correct, and generally move forward. These law-trained sailors are the oil in the well-oiled machine that is the United States Navy.  I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my deck plate experience to such a great team of Navy Judge Advocates during this summer internship and look forward to very soon donning my uniform once again.”   Kailea BognerKailea Bogner, University of Kansas School of Law Disability Evaluation System Attorneys Division “The experience as a Navy JAG Corps intern will enable me to learn more about military law and grant me the ability to use my legal knowledge to aid Marines and Sailors in their legal dilemmas. Furthermore, this experience will challenge me both professionally and personally in a way that no other internship could. My desire to become a Navy JAG Corps officer following graduation is also a core reason that I chose to apply to this prestigious program. This program will serve to inform me of the daily work of a Navy JAG officer and the importance of such work on the overall mission of the United States Navy.”     “The experience as a Navy JAG Corps intern will enable me to learn more about military law and grant me the ability to use my legal knowledge to aid Marines and Sailors in their legal dilemmas. Furthermore, this experience will challenge me both professionally and personally in a way that no other internship could. My desire to become a Navy JAG Corps officer following graduation is also a core reason that I chose to apply to this prestigious program. This program will serve to inform me of the daily work of a Navy JAG officer and the importance of such work on the overall mission of the United States Navy.”     KANDT_FULLLENGTH Derek Kandt, University of Kansas School of Law Region Legal Service Office Northwest “I am hoping to get a real sense of the many diverse functions that a Navy JAG officer has to offer. The JAG Corps has many different roles and this program provides students with an awesome opportunity to experience those roles first hand, and to make sure that they are excited to potentially join and contribute to every aspect of the Corps’ mission.”       “I am hoping to get a real sense of the many diverse functions that a Navy JAG officer has to offer. The JAG Corps has many different roles and this program provides students with an awesome opportunity to experience those roles first hand, and to make sure that they are excited to potentially join and contribute to every aspect of the Corps’ mission.”       Nate JAG Nathaniel Freeman, University of Virginia School of Law Defense Service Office Southeast  “I have been interested in becoming a judge advocate for several years. I look forward to getting a feel for the day-to-day work that judge advocates perform. Interning at a judge advocate office provides a unique opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom in ways that make a real impact. I appreciate the sense of mission that pervades the military and the camaraderie that I have observed among the many JAGs I have met.”     “I have been interested in becoming a judge advocate for several years. I look forward to getting a feel for the day-to-day work that judge advocates perform. Interning at a judge advocate office provides a unique opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom in ways that make a real impact. I appreciate the sense of mission that pervades the military and the camaraderie that I have observed among the many JAGs I have met.”     NavyJAGPhoto Sean Conlen, Georgetown University Law Center Secretary of the Navy/Chief of Naval Operations Legal Office “I hope to gain a broader understanding of the JAG community’s role in advising senior leaders. As an Iraq War veteran, I have seen firsthand how heavily commanders rely on timely and responsive legal input. I hope to be exposed to a wide variety of issues and explore possible career opportunities in the JAG Corps.”       “I hope to gain a broader understanding of the JAG community’s role in advising senior leaders. As an Iraq War veteran, I have seen firsthand how heavily commanders rely on timely and responsive legal input. I hope to be exposed to a wide variety of issues and explore possible career opportunities in the JAG Corps.”       Pro Headshot_Navy_JMNJhonathan J. Morales Najera, Charlotte School of Law Region Legal Services Office Hawaii “I applied for the Navy JAG Corps intern program because I want to be a part of the world’s most mobile law firm and get first-hand exposure to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. I want to experience the Navy’s courts-martial system and use my legal skills and education to assist naval prosecutors and defense attorneys. My goal is to work hard, learn, adapt, and then contribute to the overall goals and missions of the naval justice system. I love my country and I find that it is my duty to give back and help others by serving in U.S. Navy JAG Corps.”     “I applied for the Navy JAG Corps intern program because I want to be a part of the world’s most mobile law firm and get first-hand exposure to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. I want to experience the Navy’s courts-martial system and use my legal skills and education to assist naval prosecutors and defense attorneys. My goal is to work hard, learn, adapt, and then contribute to the overall goals and missions of the naval justice system. I love my country and I find that it is my duty to give back and help others by serving in U.S. Navy JAG Corps.”     Tom Sandbrink Tom Sandbrink, William & Mary Law School Naval Station Norfolk "I applied to the Navy JAG Corps intern program to learn more about the military justice system. I come from a family with a history of military service and am looking to follow in that tradition by using my legal education to serve our country."       "I applied to the Navy JAG Corps intern program to learn more about the military justice system. I come from a family with a history of military service and am looking to follow in that tradition by using my legal education to serve our country."       unnamed (1) William Gribble, Texas A&M School of Law Region Legal Service Office Southeast “I am a current Army Reservist assigned to the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, 321st Civil Affairs Brigade, in Grand Prairie, Texas. My family has a tradition of Naval officers over the past three decades. With this in mind, I applied for the Navy JAG Intern Program hoping to gain a better insight into the culture and function of the JAG Corps. With this insight, my family and I will be able to assess potential career opportunities with the Navy JAG Corps after Law School.”     “I am a current Army Reservist assigned to the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, 321st Civil Affairs Brigade, in Grand Prairie, Texas. My family has a tradition of Naval officers over the past three decades. With this in mind, I applied for the Navy JAG Intern Program hoping to gain a better insight into the culture and function of the JAG Corps. With this insight, my family and I will be able to assess potential career opportunities with the Navy JAG Corps after Law School.”     Sean Pic1Sean Pan, University of California, Hastings College of the Law Western Judicial Circuit, Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary "I chose to pursue the Navy JAG internship to gain an experience and challenge no other employer can offer. As an international law firm, JAG demands flexibility and a well-rounded skill-set to represent the Navy and the United States government in both domestic and global conflicts. I am excited for the opportunity not only to expand my legal skills but to gain invaluable practical experience with such an impactful organization."     "I chose to pursue the Navy JAG internship to gain an experience and challenge no other employer can offer. As an international law firm, JAG demands flexibility and a well-rounded skill-set to represent the Navy and the United States government in both domestic and global conflicts. I am excited for the opportunity not only to expand my legal skills but to gain invaluable practical experience with such an impactful organization."     Dion K. Bass2Dion K. Bass, University of Florida Levin College of Law Region Legal Service Office Southeast “As an Air Force veteran and a former Department of the Air Force civilian employee, I have both a deep connection and passion for military service; thus, applying to the JAG Corps intern program seemed natural. What I find compelling about the JAG Corps is how its members contribute to the accomplishment of the Navy’s mission. They defend the integrity of both the Country and their service, they provide counsel to commanding officers and advocate on behalf of their fellow service members. Additionally, they receive a depth of legal experience that is unparalleled in nearly all other legal sectors. However, most importantly is the fact that Navy JAGs serve their country, not only as attorneys but, as military officers. This dual role of attorney and officer is what most appeals to me. It would be a great honor to once again do my part in the defense of This Great Nation while serving as an attorney, an officer, as a member of the Navy JAG Corps."   “As an Air Force veteran and a former Department of the Air Force civilian employee, I have both a deep connection and passion for military service; thus, applying to the JAG Corps intern program seemed natural. What I find compelling about the JAG Corps is how its members contribute to the accomplishment of the Navy’s mission. They defend the integrity of both the Country and their service, they provide counsel to commanding officers and advocate on behalf of their fellow service members. Additionally, they receive a depth of legal experience that is unparalleled in nearly all other legal sectors. However, most importantly is the fact that Navy JAGs serve their country, not only as attorneys but, as military officers. This dual role of attorney and officer is what most appeals to me. It would be a great honor to once again do my part in the defense of This Great Nation while serving as an attorney, an officer, as a member of the Navy JAG Corps."   IMG_0694 Teresa Dettloff, Loyola University Chicago School of Law Defense Service Office North “This summer, I hope to understand what it is like to be in the JAG Corps and what opportunities a career in the military can offer. I want to learn as much as I can about the legal process, but also to understand how I can use my skills as a future lawyer to help others.”       “This summer, I hope to understand what it is like to be in the JAG Corps and what opportunities a career in the military can offer. I want to learn as much as I can about the legal process, but also to understand how I can use my skills as a future lawyer to help others.”       ChristianMyersRLSONWChristian Myers, University of Chicago Law School Region Legal Service Office Northwest “I applied to work as a summer intern with the Navy JAG Corps because doing so would allow me to use the best of my abilities in service to my country, which is the same reason I hope to eventually join the Navy JAG Corps after law school. I feel called to live in service to others and chose to pursue a law degree so that I would be better able to improve the world for the people around me. I see working for the U.S. Navy as one of the best possible forms of such service. There are a number of outside influences in my life that have reinforced this conviction of mine and motivated me to seek to serve in the Navy. Chief among them is the fact that my family has and is proud of a history of military service that stretches back to our nation’s founding. I am taking this opportunity to show the same commitment to serving my country as have my ancestors. I am immensely proud to be able to exercise my fullest potential and make use of my first year of legal education in working as an intern with the Navy JAG Corps at RLSO Northwest this summer."   “I applied to work as a summer intern with the Navy JAG Corps because doing so would allow me to use the best of my abilities in service to my country, which is the same reason I hope to eventually join the Navy JAG Corps after law school. I feel called to live in service to others and chose to pursue a law degree so that I would be better able to improve the world for the people around me. I see working for the U.S. Navy as one of the best possible forms of such service. There are a number of outside influences in my life that have reinforced this conviction of mine and motivated me to seek to serve in the Navy. Chief among them is the fact that my family has and is proud of a history of military service that stretches back to our nation’s founding. I am taking this opportunity to show the same commitment to serving my country as have my ancestors. I am immensely proud to be able to exercise my fullest potential and make use of my first year of legal education in working as an intern with the Navy JAG Corps at RLSO Northwest this summer."   IMG_1411Huy Le, Northeastern University School of Law Defense Service Office North “I wish to experience a number of things this summer. I want to get my feet wet in the diverse fields of law that the Navy has to offer. I wish to see first hand, what life as a JAG entails. I want to see how crucial leadership is as a solider and a lawyer. In short, I want to get as much insight as I can to prepare myself as I embark on my military journey.”       “I wish to experience a number of things this summer. I want to get my feet wet in the diverse fields of law that the Navy has to offer. I wish to see first hand, what life as a JAG entails. I want to see how crucial leadership is as a solider and a lawyer. In short, I want to get as much insight as I can to prepare myself as I embark on my military journey.”       Brett for JAGBrett V. Beaubien, Roger Williams University School of Law Naval Air Station Sigonella “This summer in Sicily I hope to gain an appreciation for the challenges faced by deployed Sailors; to grow personally from submerging myself in a foreign culture; to do whatever I can to contribute to the success of the Navy’s mission abroad; to grow professionally by learning from the experience and skill of others, and to come back to my last year of law school charged with a new attitude and lots of tremendous stories to tell.”     “This summer in Sicily I hope to gain an appreciation for the challenges faced by deployed Sailors; to grow personally from submerging myself in a foreign culture; to do whatever I can to contribute to the success of the Navy’s mission abroad; to grow professionally by learning from the experience and skill of others, and to come back to my last year of law school charged with a new attitude and lots of tremendous stories to tell.”     IMG_6269 - Version 2 Erin Heuring, University of Idaho College of Law Defense Service Office West “I applied to the Navy JAG Corps Internship because my dream, even before beginning law school, was to become a JAG after graduating. Beyond serving my country, becoming a JAG would provide me the opportunity to gain courtroom experience and other critical legal skills sooner after graduation than other career fields. Before attending law school, I planned on pursuing a career in government and public service. I have found that the most fulfilling experiences have been those, which are not for material gain but rather in service of a greater goal. That goal, for me, is to use my life and career to influence a positive change in the lives and world around me. The Navy JAG internship is the first step in achieving my goal of becoming a JAG after graduation."   “I applied to the Navy JAG Corps Internship because my dream, even before beginning law school, was to become a JAG after graduating. Beyond serving my country, becoming a JAG would provide me the opportunity to gain courtroom experience and other critical legal skills sooner after graduation than other career fields. Before attending law school, I planned on pursuing a career in government and public service. I have found that the most fulfilling experiences have been those, which are not for material gain but rather in service of a greater goal. That goal, for me, is to use my life and career to influence a positive change in the lives and world around me. The Navy JAG internship is the first step in achieving my goal of becoming a JAG after graduation."   Chelsea O'DonnellChelsea O’Donnell, Georgetown University Law Center Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals “During my 1L year, I participated in Georgetown’s Pro-Bono Pledge and served as the 1L representative on Georgetown’s Professional Responsibility Committee. I am thrilled to be interning with Navy JAG Corps. Being a part of the Navy has been a dream of mine for quite some time. I have watched both of my brothers serve in the U.S. military - one graduated from the Naval Academy this spring - and I am eager for my chance to begin to get involved. I have very little idea of what will fill my days this summer, beyond some kind of opportunity of working out with my command, but look forward to whatever the experience may bring.”   “During my 1L year, I participated in Georgetown’s Pro-Bono Pledge and served as the 1L representative on Georgetown’s Professional Responsibility Committee. I am thrilled to be interning with Navy JAG Corps. Being a part of the Navy has been a dream of mine for quite some time. I have watched both of my brothers serve in the U.S. military - one graduated from the Naval Academy this spring - and I am eager for my chance to begin to get involved. I have very little idea of what will fill my days this summer, beyond some kind of opportunity of working out with my command, but look forward to whatever the experience may bring.”   Jesse Posey Jesse Posey, Rutgers School of Law Naval Justice School “I believe my time spent as an intern at the Naval Justice School will give me valuable insight into the day-to-day life of a Navy JAG officer. It will also give me a greater understanding of the different nuances between the military justice system and its equivalent state courts. Specifically, I hope to gain valuable, practical knowledge in the military justice and legal assistance practice areas of the Navy JAG Corps. This insight will help me prepare for my future career after law school.” “I believe my time spent as an intern at the Naval Justice School will give me valuable insight into the day-to-day life of a Navy JAG officer. It will also give me a greater understanding of the different nuances between the military justice system and its equivalent state courts. Specifically, I hope to gain valuable, practical knowledge in the military justice and legal assistance practice areas of the Navy JAG Corps. This insight will help me prepare for my future career after law school.”