Aquinas-Landmark-Winter-2021

BRIDGET MORGAN ‘12 Assistant District Attorney WHERE DID YOU ATTEND UNDERGRAD AND WHAT DEGREE DID YOU EARN? I graduated from Syracuse University in 2016 with degrees in political science, and English and textual studies. WHICH LAW SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND? The University at Buffalo School of Law, Class of 2019. WHO/WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN LAW? I enjoyed history and writing throughout my life, including during my time at Aquinas. As I got older, I was really drawn to the number of different paths you could take through a career in law. I interned with a criminal defense firm the summer after my junior year at Syracuse, which confirmed I wanted to pursue a career as an attorney. Specifically, that led to my interest in criminal law, and a career at the District Attorney’s Office. HOW DID AQUINAS HELP PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER? Aquinas certainly helped me academically prepare for my career in law, but more importantly Aquinas helped me to grow as a person. Learning how to collaborate with others, asking for help when you need it, and being able to communicate through disagreements are invaluable skills that I learned throughout my time at Aquinas. WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR CAREER? The most rewarding part about my job as an Assistant District Attorney is truly feeling like I ammaking a difference in the community. A lot of times when we see people they are at their worst. Whether they are the victim of a crime, or accused of a crime, they need help. I get the opportunity to help victims gain a sense of safety, a feeling of justice, and ultimately peace of mind. I also get the opportunity to help those accused of crimes better themselves and move past their mistakes. I am constantly learning, which I love. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 15 YEARS? In 15 years, I see myself still at the District Attorney’s Office, hopefully still making a difference in the community. Alumni Represent AQ in the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office It’s always fun to catch up with alumni and see where their journeys, that began at Aquinas, take them after leaving 1127 Dewey Avenue. For a number of graduates, we found that their journeys brought them back together in the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office as they pursued careers in law. Here we ask them about the paths that led them to where they are today and their future aspirations. 18 AQU I NAS LANDMARK | WINTER 2021 BRANDON GONZALEZ ‘12 Assistant District Attorney WHERE DID YOU ATTEND UNDERGRAD AND WHAT DEGREE DID YOU EARN? I graduated from The University at Buffalo with a bachelor’s degree in finance. WHICH LAW SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND? Duquesne University School of Law, Class of 2019 WHO/WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN LAW? My father inspired me to pursue a career in law. Since I was young, I always looked up to his unwavering commitment to making our community a safer and better place. HOW DID AQUINAS HELP PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER? Aquinas helped me prepare for my career by providing me with a unique academic environment that challenged me to not only be a better student in the classroom, but be a better person in my community. WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR CAREER? The most rewarding aspect of my career as a prosecutor is being able to seek justice for all individuals in our community and advocate on their behalf. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 15 YEARS? In 15 years, I see myself continuing to serve the community as a prosecutor at the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.