In the next stage of her career, Amanda Violette was looking for two things. “I wanted to figure out how I could live in Portland, Maine and what I could do to learn more about myself,” she said.
A legal education at Maine Law offered her both opportunities, and Violette will join the Class of 2027 this fall.
Violette has long felt drawn to the analytical thinking required in the study of law. For many years, however, she put these skills to use with the Army. Shortly after 9/11, Violette transitioned from the National Guard to active duty and was deployed to Iraq as an Intelligence Officer which began her military career.
In 2012, she received her Masters of Science degree in Strategic Intelligence, which deepened her critical thinking skills and sparked her curiosity about the rules and regulations that govern society.
“When I became a strategic intelligence officer, it was essential that I could see the big picture when it came to analyzing geostrategic issues and security threats,” Violette recalled. “My job was to understand how the pieces fit and worked together, how histories and geographies in one region can impact present day politics in any other part of the world.”
Part of what was missing from this work, however, was the ability to acknowledge nuance and then incorporate it into her day-to-day work. This is one of several things propelling Violette towards a career in law.
“I’ve found it difficult, personally, to be in a position where thinking on a complex issue is inflexible,” she explained. “There are too many considerations and angles to challenges we face in the world to remain firmly entrenched in a fixed mindset. I look forward to learning how legal methodologies and techniques can further open my world view..”
In addition to one career already under her belt, Violette will enter law school with experience as a paralegal. The Department of Defense SkillBridge program, through the Hiring Our Heroes Career Fellowship Program, connected her with the Bernstein Shur Law Firm in Portland based on Violette’s desire to wade into the waters before taking the dive into law school.
She said the work there proved engaging and she always found herself wanting to dig deeper, which was a good indication that law school was in her future.
While fully committed to the law school journey, Violette said she wants to keep an open mind as she explores the different pathways offered at Maine Law. “There are several pathways I see for myself post-law school. After a full career in the Army, I need to figure out which pathway will bring a sense of purpose as well as professional contentment. I think Maine Law will give me the space to explore all my options.”
Additionally, Violette is looking forward to joining the thriving Maine Law community, which she’s seen evidence of even during the admissions process. Building connections in civilian life, in a small Maine community, is different from the military where changing locations frequently often feels like repeatedly starting from scratch. After returning to Maine, Violette joined a running group, which offers support and camaraderie. She knows her network will broaden even more as she begins her law school career.
“Whatever I’m doing, I feel it’s important to learn from others,” Violette added. “It’s how you grow as a person and prevent a fixed mindset. I need that accountability and I’m also always looking for shared understanding. I know I will find that at Maine Law.”
