Experience

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  USDA

  • Temple, Texas, United States

  • Attorney-Advisor

    • Feb 2021 - Present
    • Temple, Texas, United States

    Provides legal advice and counseling to USDA agencies in both litigation and non-litigation contexts. Conducting factual inquiry and legal research into statutes, regulations, agency notices/directives/handbooks, and case law. Interacting on an interpersonal and professional level in a manner that establishes effective working relationships with OGC colleagues, USDA clients, and USDA stakeholders. Mastery of statutes, regulations, and legal precedents related to major USDA program areas or relevant subject matter expertise to provide expert legal advice in regard to the assigned program area, develop or recommend litigation strategies and procedures, aid the Department of Justice in the trial of important or precedent-setting cases, and negotiate or participate in negotiating settlements on behalf of the Department. Mastery of a large and complex body of law in which precedents are frequently conflicting or non-existent to make determinations and reach conclusions which guide the Department or the Agency in resolving subsequent, similar problems; provide legal advice to heads of programs and Agencies on complex and difficult legal questions or factual issues; and write opinions and case assessment memoranda after conducting detailed factual and legal research. Mastery of the principles and techniques of legal analysis and practice in order to prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, litigation reports, and related documents in connection with suits by and against the Government and determine in each case the nature of action or defense, the legal issues involved, the most effective course of action, and optimal strategies and tactics to be employed. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of missions and functions of the USDA and its agencies or relevant subject matter expertise, as appropriate in order to provide legal services in support of USDA programs and activities that are consistent with the strategic goals of USDA.

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  Texas Health and Human Services

  • Austin, Texas, United States

  • Complex Litigation Attorney

    • May 2020 - Feb 2021
    • Austin, Texas, United States

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  Texas Department of Agriculture

  • Austin, Texas

  • Legal Extern

    • Jan 2019 - May 2019
    • Austin, Texas

    During my externship with TDA I have primarily been assigned to the Enforcement division handling Agricultural Pesticide and licensing infractions. In performing my duties I have completed simple and complex motions and pleadings for SOAH hearings.

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  Indian and Environmental Law Group, PLLC

  • Tulsa, Oklahoma

  • Law Clerk

    • May 2018 - Feb 2019
    • Tulsa, Oklahoma

    Perform extensive document review on a Federal Indian Trust Case. Research and draft memorandums on various Federal Indian law issues including the recent legalization of medical marijuana in Oklahoma and a civil rights issue regarding local and municipal police operations.

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  Tulsa County Public Defenders Office

  • Tulsa, Oklahoma

  • Felony Docket Intern

    • Mar 2018 - Aug 2018
    • Tulsa, Oklahoma

    Created and managed case files for senior attorneys. Attended preliminary hearings, discussed trial strategies and reviewed pre-trial evidence.

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  Office of Technology Commercialization at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio

  • San Antonio, Texas Area

  • Patent and Trademark Intern

    • Aug 2017 - Dec 2017
    • San Antonio, Texas Area

    Assisted with all manner of intellectual property issues related to medical devices and medical treatments. Responded to United States Patent and Trademark Office Actions, performed prior art analysis and patentability examinations. Assisted start-ups on deciding which business entity they should form. Performed extensive market surveys to check for product success rates, marketability, and projected profitability.

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  Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

  • Dublin, Ireland

  • Legislative Drafting Intern

    • Jun 2017 - Jul 2017
    • Dublin, Ireland

    Researched and drafted SI 318/2017- Control of Organisms Harmful to Plants and Plant Products, Amendment No.2. Researched and prepared a memorandum on an issue within a wrongful death suit where the Department was a named defendant. Assisted with plant field trials and seed preservation efforts.

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  American Campus Communities

  • Waco, Texas

  • Community Assistant

    • Nov 2012 - Dec 2013
    • Waco, Texas

    Apartment Leasing Agent, Maintenance, Community event organizer.

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  Honey's Home and Style

  • Waco, Texas

  • Restoration and Carpentry Associate

    • Sep 2011 - May 2012
    • Waco, Texas

    Restoration and basic carpentry

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  Baskins Western Wear

  • Waco, Texas

  • Sales Associate/Shipping & Receiving

    • Aug 2010 - Dec 2010
    • Waco, Texas

    At Baskins Western Wear I helped open the store and set up everything from displays to changing room doors. I then transferred into the role of shipping and receiving which I did until I left that winter.

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  Ranchhand

  • Various

  • Ranchhand

    • May 2006 - Aug 2010
    • Various

    Being raised in a country town I helped work where I could with the folks in our town. Things such as bailing hay and cleaning stalls.

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  Marine Military Academy

  • Harlingen, Texas

  • Yearbook Editor

    • 2010 - 2010
    • Harlingen, Texas

    As a senior at Marine Military Academy I was selected to be a part of the select 5 person team that designed the yearbook from the ground up. Using photoshop and other software programs we edited the pictures we took and wrote all the articles. We interviewed other students and school staff members for articles. Overall it was my first true taste of journalism in a small degree.

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  Bartonvillle Veterinary Clinic

  • Bartonville, Texas

  • Kennel Technician

    • May 2007 - Aug 2007
    • Bartonville, Texas

    My first true job and I was a dog walker and kennel cleaner for the Vet Clinic.