GW Law's National Security Law Association (NSLA) and National Security, Cybersecurity, and Foreign Relations Law Program, held a Junior National Security Attorney Alumni Panel with recent GW Law graduates to share their experiences working for the federal government in the national security law field. Moderated by the NSLA’s president, 3L Vivian Overbeck, U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps selectee, the attorneys answered questions related to their respective agencies, their careers, and gave insight into the job application process. Among the panelists were Alice Lee, JD '20, Doug Francken, JD ’13, Melanie Harris, JD ’13, Makenzie Briglia, JD ‘21, Rachel Gerstenfeld, JD ’22, and Danielle Hernandez, JD '19.
This panel discussion offered current law students an opportunity to learn about work as Honors Attorneys and as attorneys practicing in the Intelligence Community. The Department of Justice, National Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and White House Office of the National Cyber Security Director were represented. Panelists described a typical day as an attorney at their respective agencies. One of the prominent themes amongst the panelists was the close-knit community of national security attorneys. Mr. Francken, Ms. Hernandez, and Ms. Harris have worked together at the DIA and throughout their careers. They impressed upon the students the benefits of being part of a small community and the ability to move laterally within different agencies and opportunities for collaboration across various legal areas.
After formal questions and answers concluded, several panelists remained, continuing to share their advice, offer tips, and answer more questions from individual students. This successful event and the upcoming events hosted by NSLA will continue to inform students interested in the national security field at GW Law.