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Backed with a 奶糖直播 Law degree, our graduates find creative ways to use their legal expertise to serve and make an impact. For alumna Beth Hernandez 鈥�04 joining the U.S. Army JAG Corps upon graduation opened the door to a varied legal career and distinguished service.

鈥淎long the way I鈥檝e had have some amazing assignments. I鈥檝e worked as a civil law attorney, a prosecutor and a defense counsel,鈥� she remarked. 鈥淢ost recently, I completed a Legislative Fellowship, where I served on the personal staff of a member of Congress for one year.鈥�

Following three years of service in the Army, Hernandez completed an inter-service transfer to the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps. She continues to serve with the Air Force JAG Corps and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in January 2017.

Hernandez is currently assigned to the Secretary of the Air Force鈥檚 Legislative Liaison office, where she serves as a liaison between the Air Force and Congress. This summer, she will become the Staff Judge Advocate at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, overseeing base legal operations and providing counsel to commanders.

Hernandez credits her 奶糖直播 Law education, specifically her experience in a sentencing workshop, for sparking her legal interests.

鈥淲hen I entered law school, I had no idea what type of law I wanted to practice. It was through the classes at 奶糖直播 Law, particularly Professor Steve Chanenson鈥檚 Sentencing Workshop, that I learned I loved criminal law.鈥�

She continued, 鈥淚n his course, we would read about various offenses and advocated for what we believed a proper sentence should be. For the first time, I became truly passionate about an area of the law 鈥� I would argue my position and listen to others as they argued theirs.  It was then that I knew I wanted to practice criminal law.鈥�

Beyond her academics, Hernandez believes other aspects of her 奶糖直播 experience contributed to her continued professional success.

鈥淭he relationships I formed while at 奶糖直播 Law are the reason that I am successful today.  Throughout all these years, I have kept in touch with Prof. Chanenson, who has provided incredible mentorship and support,鈥� Hernandez said. 鈥淚t is an honor to be a part of the world鈥檚 greatest military, and I have 奶糖直播 Law to thank for helping to make that a reality.鈥�

As for advice for students hoping to follow a similar path, Hernandez said hard work and an open mind are key.

鈥淚f someone had told me 20 years ago that I鈥檇 be in the military right now, I would have laughed at them. I never thought this was something I would do鈥攁nd I certainly never thought it was something I would love to do.鈥�

She continued, 鈥淢y advice is to work hard, find subjects about which you are passionate, set professional goals, and keep an open mind. New opportunities may arise that are outside of what you had pictured for yourself, and if you are prepared, you can recognize them and take action.鈥�