Current Job Title:  Assistant Public Defender

Current Place of Employment:  Kanawha County (WV) Public Def

City & State:  Charleston, WV

ACU undergraduate major or degree:  Missions  B.S. (1986)

Degrees from other schools:  J.D. 1991 University of Pittsburgh

Briefly describe your job.   I've clerked in a state appellate court (PA), been in civil practice with a mid-sized firm, a small firm, and solo.  I've defended and prosecuted.  I am now defending again.  I have a lot of freedom.  Most importantly, I am also the pulpit minister at our church.

What courses were beneficial in preparation for your career?  All Missions courses translated well into law, since it taught me how to address a new culture.

How did your career path lead you to your current position?  Wife's cancer drove early career decisions to seek health insurance and ability to care for 3 young kids.  Later, prosecution got me in contact with others.  Current hire is a defense attorney I prosecuted a murder case against.  He was impressive so I asked him to hire me.

What does it take to be a Christian practitioner in your field?  Must be constant in prayer and the Word.  Temptation is constant and unrelenting to become cynical and harsh.  Greatest temptation is to become money-driven.

What do you love about your job?  Speaking, talking, writing, great personal autonomy.

What advice would you give to a student considering a career in your field?  Ask yourself if you would do it if it paid minimum wage.  If you wouldn't, don't do it.  The money is DEFINITELY not worth it if you don't love it.