Colleen Anderson

In high school, we studied the foundational Supreme Court cases decided during the Founding Era.  I was struck by how a handful of cases, argued and decided by just a few people, had such a profound impact on the development of not just the law, but the U.S. system of government and philosophy around the separation of powers.  Realizing how much the legal system magnifies the power of one person’s voice made me want to be part of that profession. Since then, I’ve sought out places where I feel like my viewpoint and contributions can make a difference for my clients and support the causes I believe in.

My experience working on immigration pro bono cases has been invaluable.  It’s been an incredible privilege to be trusted with the stories of my clients’ lives and their journeys.  Oftentimes, they’ve already put years of time and effort into pursuing their immigration cases on their own, showing patience and resilience dealing with a complex web of immigration laws and regulations. Working with our clients to make sure they get the protections and attention they deserve has been a great experience.  I’ve learned a lot in a very short amount of time, both about being a better lawyer and about what it means to be a real advocate for my clients.

My Patterson Belknap mentors have been a key part of why I immediately felt so welcomed and supported when I joined the firm.  They’ve been proactive about helping me feel comfortable, and have also provided a helpful roadmap for thinking about my career in both the short- and long-term.  Every time I meet with my firm mentors, they ask questions or make suggestions that really help me evaluate what it is I want to achieve, and I walk away with specific action items.  A mentorship can be tough to cultivate and maintain, so I feel really lucky knowing that I have people who will not only be there to support me, but will also be partners in keeping me accountable to my goals.