- This month’s newsletter is about Civics. Derived from the latin word “civicus” meaning relating to a citizen, Civics, is defined as the study of the rights and obligations of citizens in a society. It is commonplace these days to see lively discussions and declarations about the rights of citizens, but less so the obligations or responsibilities of citizens. Working in the Court, you may have had experience in helping judges, lawyers, staff etc with issues involving the rights and obligations of citizens. Tell us a little about what you do day to day, and how you view your role with respect to the overall operation of the Court?
Answer: As an employee of the Court commonly referred to as “the People’s Court,” I find great value thinking and reading about the topic of Civics. Much of what I do day to day relates to fulfilling requests for information from the public and satisfying the reporting requirements set forth by the Court, the Administrative Office, and Congress. Analyzing correct and up to date information helps the Court make strategic decisions to improve our institution and ultimately benefit the public that we serve.
- Where are you from? How long have you worked at the Court? Where did you work before?
Answer: I was born in Bethesda, MD. My parents were both in the Navy so I lived in a half a dozen places before I turned 18. I’ve worked at the United States Court of Federal Claims since the summer of 2016. I worked at the United States Court of Appeals – Federal Circuit from 2014 to 2016. Prior to federal employment, I worked at the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
- Most of us have been adjusting to working remotely just since last March, how have you adapted to teleworking? What has your department done to facilitate the needs of the Court in this time?
Answer: Adapting to telework has been relatively easy. The clerk’s office as a whole adapted very well to telework since we practiced remote work on a regular basis pre-COVID. The transition has been especially easy for me since I have a job well suited to remote work. I’m extremely pleased with how well the Court has served the bar, general public and other stakeholders during this unprecedented time.
- You’re a fan of both soccer, a team sport, and cycling/running, typically individual sports. Do you have a preference? What are the benefits of working in a team environment? How do you motivate yourself in an individual sport?
Answer: My preference is definitely team sports. I like the idea of motivation through competing against yourself in individual activities (like beating your previous mile time), but there’s something especially satisfying in excelling in a team sport. When every member of the team understands their role and contributes to achieving a shared goal, you feel like you can take on anything!
- What’s your favorite music festival? Do you prefer festivals to arenas or club shows? Why?
Answer: My favorite festival is Bonnaroo; a music festival located in Manchester, TN, that I’ve attended 5 years in a row. I absolutely prefer festivals to arenas or club shows because the variety of music available. Plus, the food vendors found at festivals are usually a step above and so delicious!
Rapid Fire Round!
- Mac or PC?
Answer: PC. For those who like build and modify their own computers, there’s only one answer.
- Top-three songs on your Spotify/I-tunes playlist?
Answer: “He Said, She Said” by Chvrches, “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals, and “Awake” by Tycho
- What are your favorite running/cycling spots in the DMV?
Answer: Sligo Creek Trail. The Melvin Hazen Trail near Cleveland Park is also very cool and provides some fun trail running options!
- DC United, USA, Real Madrid? What’s your favorite team? (and apologies if an arch-enemy is listed!)
Answer: It has to be DC United. The new Audi Field is amazing, plus we have a chance at reaching the playoffs this year.
- Stay-at-Home Binge: Netflix, Amazon Prime or Doom Scrolling?
Answer: Netflix!
Membership
The Bar Association provides its members numerous educational opportunities and opportunities for practitioners to meet and interact with the judges of the Court and colleagues from both public and private practice for these purposes. Our members work closely with the Court’s judges to develop programs, contribute to revisions of the Court’s Rules, and organize a broad range of educational and other activities.