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Lindsey, Advocate, Attorney, and Swim Coach at Policy Advocacy Nonprofit : Advize Career Interview
A career path fueled by a passion for swimming and academics led to a full scholarship at the Air Force Academy, followed by nine years of service.
This experience, coupled with a law degree earned through the GI Bill, now finds this individual thriving at a policy advocacy nonprofit.
Their work focuses on improving organizational operations, advocating for veterans' access to resources, and collaborating with passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Active listening, intellectual agility, and a disciplined approach are key to success, along with a willingness to embrace challenges and a commitment to justice.
This individual's journey highlights the transformative power of overcoming adversity, harnessing neurodiversity, and aligning career choices with personal values, offering valuable lessons for students interested in law, advocacy, or policy, especially advice to define values before pursuing law school and seek internships at law offices or advocacy organizations.
The greatest takeaway? The place of greatest pain can be the place of greatest impact.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lindsey Kirchhoff
Advocate, Attorney, and Swim Coach
Policy Advocacy Nonprofit
US Air Force Academy
Boston College, Master of Arts in Philosophy; Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, Juris Doctor; Pepperdine Law Straus Institute, Master of Dispute Resolution
Anthropology, Sociology
Law
Operations and Project Management
Veteran, Student Athlete
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of an Advocate Attorney at a Policy Advocacy Nonprofit
Lindsey's career path began with a full scholarship to the Air Force Academy, fueled by a passion for swimming and academics, committing to nine years of service as a US Air Force officer. After leaving military service, they pursued a law degree using the GI Bill, and now works at a policy advocacy nonprofit, demonstrating a diverse career trajectory following "a new mission."
Main Responsibilities of an Advocate at The Veterans Defense Project
Lindsey's role at the Veterans Defense Project involves ensuring the organization's operational health, including communication with stakeholders and managing day-to-day tasks. This supports the organization's mission to advocate for policies that connect veterans with resources to address "invisible injuries" like trauma and mental illness, helping them access "counseling, intensive rehabilitation, and…community" rather than incarceration.
A Day in the Life of an Operations Manager at a Policy Advocacy Nonprofit
Lindsey's work at a policy advocacy nonprofit focuses on operational improvements, including "reflection" and strategic planning with unpaid board members to identify areas for growth, change, and discontinuation. This involves meetings and discussions to ensure the organization effectively pursues its mission, highlighting the importance of both urgent tasks and long-term goals.
Most Important Skills For An Advocate At A Policy Advocacy Nonprofit
Lindsey, an advocate, attorney, and swim coach at a policy advocacy nonprofit, emphasizes that "listening with their whole body, their eyes, even their hearts" is paramount to success in their role. This active listening skill allows them to synthesize information from diverse sources, formulating proposals for moving the organization forward.
Favorite Parts of Being an Advocate at a Policy Advocacy Nonprofit
Lindsey, an advocate, attorney, and swim coach, most enjoys collaborating with "passionate and committed people" on the board of the Policy Advocacy Nonprofit, finding the diverse professional backgrounds—from the VA to the CIA—enriching and inspiring. The work's personal significance is evident in Lindsey's mention of "thoughts of suicide," highlighting the importance of seeking help and giving back through expertise and time.
Biggest Challenges Faced By an Advocate at a Policy Advocacy Nonprofit
Lindsey's greatest challenge as an advocate, attorney, and swim coach is adapting to factors outside their control, a concept they describe as "holding things loosely" while focusing on "the things I can control." This approach, incorporating both internal locus of control and a willingness to embrace the necessary "step of faith" even when facing fear, demonstrates a flexible and adaptable approach to navigating the complexities of their multifaceted career.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Legal Advocacy Industry As A Lawyer
Lindsey, a lawyer, advocate, and swim coach, finds fulfillment in using their legal skills to advocate for changes in the legal system, striving for "justice" that reflects "the beautiful dignity and humanity of people," inspired by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. Their work is driven by a belief that the law reveals societal values, and they aim to combat injustices, viewing their legal career as a means to effect positive change.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Legal Industry, According To An Attorney At A Nonprofit
Lindsey, a 38-year-old advocate, attorney, and swim coach, finds that success in the legal field hinges on "intellectual agility," the ability to "think in a disciplined and logical way," and to understand a law's societal impact. Their own neurodivergence, including ADHD, demonstrates that diverse individuals can thrive, highlighting that "logic and discipline, critical thinking" are key attributes.
What an Attorney at a Policy Advocacy Nonprofit wishes they had known before entering the legal industry
Lindsey, a career professional with diverse experiences in the military, academia, and law, advises aspiring lawyers to define their values before entering law school, stressing the importance of maintaining one's identity amidst the pressures of a demanding profession. The advice emphasizes resisting the "golden handcuffs" of high-pressure legal jobs, and instead pursuing a career aligned with personal values and a fulfilling lifestyle, acknowledging that this path requires self-reflection and may involve an unconventional route.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Advocates and Attorneys at Policy Advocacy Nonprofits
To gain experience in law, advocacy, or policy, undergraduate students should seek internships as clerks or paralegals in law offices to understand "the language" and daily operations, or explore roles with advocacy organizations and think tanks working on policy issues— "where the rubber meets the road"— impacting communities. Leveraging professor networks and being "intentional about creating relationships" is crucial for expanding opportunities.
Significant Career Lesson From An Advocate At A Policy Advocacy Nonprofit
Lindsey's most significant career lesson is that "the place of our greatest pain can be the place of our greatest impact," illustrated by their challenging first-year law school writing project, which, despite initial feelings of failure, unexpectedly led to success in moot court by leveraging the experience's hard-won skills and perseverance.
College Experiences That Helped an Advocate, Attorney, and Swim Coach Succeed at a Policy Advocacy Nonprofit
Lindsey's Air Force Academy experience instilled a "hard work" and "excellence mindset," impacting subsequent careers in the Air Force, software, and now law; the value of pushing through discomfort, building a strong community, and prioritizing character over GPA resonated deeply, as evidenced by a positive reference from a classmate two decades later, highlighting the enduring impact of a strong reputation.
How Identity Has Influenced an Advocate at an Advocacy Nonprofit's Career
Lindsey's late ADHD diagnosis profoundly impacted career navigation, highlighting how tasks others find easy, like "showing up on time," posed significant challenges. By leveraging their capacity for "hyperfocus" on novel information and implementing strategies like calendar automation for even mundane tasks, Lindsey transforms potential career detriments into strengths, demonstrating how intentional habit-building can harness neurodivergence for success.
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