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Andrew, Agency Counsel at Department of Defense: Advize Career Interview
A career as Agency Counsel at the Department of Defense offers incredible variety and purpose.
The path to this role can be surprisingly diverse, encompassing experiences like radio DJ work, teaching, and internships in a US Senator's office, all contributing to a well-rounded foundation.
The work itself involves representing the United States in security clearance hearings, demanding strong legal reasoning, quick thinking, and a dedication to the mission.
A day's work could range from corporate office settings to deployments overseas, offering constant challenges and unique experiences.
Success in this field requires a commitment to public service and the ability to balance national security interests with individual circumstances.
Strong communication and writing skills, developed through diverse coursework, are crucial, as is the ability to remain flexible and adaptable to unexpected opportunities.
The most rewarding aspect is the sense of contributing to national security, a higher purpose that motivates daily work and provides ample professional and personal fulfillment.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Andrew Henderson
Agency Counsel
Department of Defense
Bates College
Pepperdine University School of Law (JD); University of Redlands School of Business (MA); Army JAG School (LLM)
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Political Science, American Studies
Government
Legal
Took Out Loans, Veteran
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Career Path of an Agency Counsel at Department of Defense
Andrew's path to becoming Agency Counsel at the Department of Defense involved diverse experiences, including "public speaking," "radio DJ work," and internships ranging from a US Senator's office to elementary school teaching. These varied roles, combined with coursework in political science and English, provided a well-rounded foundation for a legal career.
Main Responsibilities of an Agency Counsel at Department of Defense
Andrew's 30-year Department of Defense career transitioned from a uniformed naval officer—serving as "a prosecutor, a defense attorney, a judge, and a staff judge advocate"—to a civilian role. Currently, the Agency Counsel represents the United States in administrative hearings concerning security clearance challenges.
A Day in the Life of an Agency Counsel at the Department of Defense
Andrew's career as a military attorney has been incredibly diverse, ranging from "morning workouts" and "drills" on an aircraft carrier to "corporate, very standard attorney type work" in office settings. This variety, including trial preparation, hearings, and even service in a war zone, is what makes the career "pretty great" and consistently engaging.
Most Important Skills for an Agency Counsel at Department of Defense
Agency Counsel at the Department of Defense requires dedication to "the task," prioritizing "ship, shipmate, self," meaning mission, colleagues, and then personal needs. The work demands honesty, a commitment to finding answers even if it means admitting "I don't know," and strong legal reasoning skills along with the ability to "think on your feet."
Favorite Parts Of Being A Agency Counsel At Department Of Defense
Andrew, Agency Counsel at the Department of Defense, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role to be "a sense of purpose," contributing to a larger mission, even on seemingly smaller tasks. This sense of contributing to "national security," whether on significant issues or more minor ones, motivates Andrew's daily work.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Agency Counsel at Department of Defense
Andrew's biggest challenge as Agency Counsel at the Department of Defense involves balancing the need to represent the United States' national security interests with the responsibility of giving full attention to each individual case, reminding himself that "this file is a person who has a career and a family as well". This challenge is framed against the backdrop of his 22-year Navy career, where the constant relocation, while exciting, presented its own set of difficulties for Andrew and his family.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Department of Defense as an Agency Counsel
Andrew's favorite aspect of a Department of Defense career is the constant challenge and variety; "each facet of the law was...a little different in each assignment," leading to a fulfilling career marked by diverse experiences ranging from courtroom work to deployments in Iraq and Guam, all while serving a greater purpose. The current position offers a more stable geographic location but retains the rewarding camaraderie and impactful work.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Public Service Industry, According To A Counsel At Department Of Defense
Andrew, an Agency Counsel at the Department of Defense, asserts that success in this field hinges on a "higher purpose," not solely financial gain; individuals who thrive are "focused on the mission, not the minutiae," finding satisfaction in public service rather than a large paycheck, even though compensation is satisfactory.
What An Attorney At Department Of Defense Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Government Law
Andrew, an Agency Counsel at the Department of Defense, emphasizes the importance of flexibility and an open mind for success in their career, stating that "the secret to success...is to have the mindset...of being flexible with what comes next." This approach allowed Andrew to embrace unexpected opportunities, such as a fulfilling assignment in Guam, highlighting that some of their greatest experiences were not initially on their preferred list.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Agency Counsels
Andrew, an Agency Counsel at the Department of Defense, highlighted the value of internships in preparing for a legal career, citing experiences such as a radio DJ internship which built "confidence and comfort" in public speaking and a US Senator field representative role that honed "professional interaction skills" and understanding of diverse perspectives. These experiences, the interviewee stated, proved more helpful than specific coursework in developing the crucial soft skills needed for a legal career.
Significant Career Lesson From an Agency Counsel at Department of Defense
Andrew's most significant career lesson is to avoid letting negative experiences, such as a difficult boss, overshadow long-term career goals; the Agency Counsel advises to "roll with it," maintaining perspective and focusing on improvement, embodying a "three-minute rule" for handling setbacks and moving forward as a better performer and leader.
College Experiences That Helped an Agency Counsel at Department of Defense Succeed
While a political science major provided a suitable foundation for Andrew's legal career, the Agency Counsel at the Department of Defense emphasized the importance of strong writing and communication skills honed through English and public speaking courses, stating that "learning how to read and comprehend and to write and string sentences together" is crucial for success in the legal field. This skillset, more than any specific major, better prepares individuals for the demands of reading, comprehending, and effectively communicating legal concepts.
How Identity Has Influenced An Agency Counsel's Career At The Department Of Defense
Andrew's veteran status significantly impacts their work as a Department of Defense civilian attorney, providing "more empathy for the individuals" they work with, particularly those seeking security clearances. This perspective, coupled with a strict adherence to "a certain rule set of behavior and standards," allows for a balanced approach that leverages their unique experience to better serve the Department of Defense.
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