You attended and graduated from a virtual high school. What was that experience like?

I actually went to a few other high schools in Las Vegas. First Western High then Palo Verde. I was homeschooled my last year of high school – I only needed a few credits to graduate and didn’t want to go to an actual school for two or three classes.  I liked being homeschooled, because I could work ahead and finish assignments a lot sooner, and once I finished, I could just spend my free time playing video games.

Of all the courses you've taken at Boyd, which do you recall most fondly?

Civil Procedure

How was your transition from LA to Las Vegas?
 
My transition from LA to Las Vegas has been smooth thus far. I am still getting used to the Las Vegas Valley culture. Things are a lot slower, but the Strip and downtown Las Vegas make up for it. What I really love about Las Vegas are the outdoor recreational activities. Since moving here, I have picked up a new hobby: hiking.

You interned for the Nevada Federal Public Defender (FPD) last summer. Was it a good experience?

Interning at the FPD was such an amazing experience. I was able to work on my legal writing and analysis skills while also

How does an east coast guy, born in NYC and educated at Columbia, decide to go to law school in Las Vegas?

My wife and I decided to leave the east coast, so we looked at schools all around the country. I was very impressed by Boyd’s legal writing program, its job placement statistics, and its outreach to the local immigrant community. We also found that Las Vegas offers lots of the attractions and amenities of a larger city without the price tag. We love living here!

You lived and worked in China many years. Tell us about that experience.

I spent four-and-a-half years in northeast China —

An internship with the Nevada State Assembly set you down the path to law school, yes?

Yes, I interned for Assemblywoman Bustamante Adams the summer after my sophomore year of undergrad and it was an invaluable experience! I gained a unique insight into the law-making process in Nevada. Also, I met several inspiring legislators and attorneys whose encouragement solidified my interest in law school.

What are your goals as this year's president of La Voz [Boyd's Latino law student association]?

This year I want to increase high school and undergraduate student participation in the Huellas

How have you reconciled your northern Nevada roots and your UNR undergraduate past with your southern Nevada/UNLV/Boyd present?

I have reconciled the battle between North and South by recognizing the important roles each play for Nevada’s future. There was hesitation in choosing Boyd—particularly when it came to telling my parents. After two years here, I still have heated discussion regarding NEVADA (not UNR) sports teams, but I appreciate the two communities are intertwined and support each other. 

As the driving force behind Boyd's Golden Knights Tuesdays, what are your reflections on our

How was your summer?

My summer had nonstop activities! I worked full time at a law firm handling estate planning, bankruptcy, and domestic disputes, worked on an appellate criminal pro-bono case, took some courses, and traveled to California, Texas, and Arizona to visit family. It’s been a crazy few months, but I enjoyed it.

You were born and raised in California. Having spent the last couple years in Nevada, how do you compare the two neighboring states?

The states have similarities and differences, both of which I appreciate. Nevada and California have exciting legal opportunities spread

Active duty in the United States Air Force and a law student - how have you managed those two formidable endeavors?

Although overwhelming at times, I attribute my perseverance (or is it sustainability?) to a few factors. First, my drive would not be where it is but for the fact that I am passionate about both endeavors. As I must approach each from a different perspective, navigating the transition between the two worlds continues to fuel my passion. It is especially rewarding observing various points of overlap between my role as an active duty member of the United States Air Force and as a

Prior to entering Boyd, you worked for Cirque du Soleil. Was that as exciting as it sounds?

Absolutely! I had so much fun working for Cirque and wouldn't trade those years for anything. The shows employ people from all over the world and all walks of life, and everyone has a story to tell. Plus, being backstage on a show of that size means you have to stay constantly on your toes and be ready for anything. That's certainly served me well in law school!

Your father is a law librarian. How did that influence your decision to go to law school?

It's a little dramatic to say that Dad is 100% the

You've spent some time working in the political arena. Is that an arena to which you'd ever wish to return?

Yes, politics while often messy, is always interesting and changes daily. It’s also a bit of a mental challenge that I welcome when it comes to figuring out where the politics end and where the policy begins. Most importantly, it’s a great way to try and help solve many of the problems facing our state today.

What's your dream travel destination?

Definitely Japan! Whether the hustle and bustle of Tokyo or the idyllic and peaceful temples of Kyoto, there’s so much to visit and explore

    
As a child, you moved from the UK to the USA. What are your memories of that transition?

My strongest memory is being very annoyed when I was marked down for misspelling color on a spelling test. I felt the teacher should not have taken points when I was right. I also got very tired of being asked if I knew the Spice Girls. England might be smaller than many US states, but it is not that small. 

And from a chemical engineering degree at the University of Nevada, Reno to law study at Boyd...describe that transition.

It was a challenging change because I never expected to go into law. However