“As a first generation college student, one of the biggest things that helped me was something others find stressful,” graduating 3L Andy Almonte said. As part of Maine Law’s 3+3 Program, he was on an accelerated B.A. and J.D. trajectory, received both degrees in just six years. “The timeline is strict because it is accelerated. That meant I knew exactly what I was doing and when, and for someone new to the higher education environment, I found that very helpful.”
Almonte was drawn to the legal profession even as an elementary school student. Growing up, Barack Obama was a big inspiration for him, and while he wasn’t interested in a political career, he was drawn to the critical thinking, oratory, and leadership skills he felt the former president exemplified.
“When my teacher told me Obama trained as a lawyer, I knew that was the profession I wanted to work in,” Almonte added.
Almonte was introduced to the 3+3y program at the University of Southern Maine as a senior in high school, and saw a way to achieve his educational and professional goals in a defined period of time at lower cost. He opted into the program his first year, while continuing to be a full-time student and work part-time.
Graduating with this B.A. right on schedule, Almonte lost no time once at Maine Law testing the waters of different subject areas and taking advantage of all the opportunities offered to him. Initially, Almonte came in thinking he’d study labor law, but a variety of classroom based and internship experiences led him in a different direction.
“One thing about Maine Law is it really is a choose your own adventure kind of place,” he added. “And you’ll find your stride as long as you keep an open mind.”
For Almonte, he found his niche in business law, arriving there after an illuminating internship opportunity and finding a natural affinity for the coursework. He added that Professor Jeff Maine, resident tax law expert, played a big part in Almote’s decision to move in that direction.
“Professor Maine has a mechanical way of teaching the law, and also demonstrating its real world impact,” Almonte said. “In our tax law classes, we don’t just analyze statutes – we explore how they affect decision making. And if you know the ins and outs of a legal framework, you can use that for positive change.”
A 2L summer associateship at the law firm Choate, Hall & Stewart in Boston further solidified Almonte’s interest in a transactional practice. So much so that he will be returning to the firm upon graduation, where he will work in the corporate department assisting on finance and private equity deals. He is excited to gain experience in big law not only for his own career, but to pass on to other students approaching the higher educational landscape for the first time or those pursuing the 3+3 program at Maine Law.
“I never felt alone during my education,” Almonte said. “And I want to find a way to be there for others the way I was supported and encouraged.”
