AFSVets
Advocacy. Mentoring. Recruiting. Community Outreach.
As a group of active, reserve, former, and retired military and uniformed service employees, AFSVets recognizes and appreciates the unique skills our members’ service adds to their perspective and welcomes that experience within the firm, in partnerships with our clients, and in our pro bono engagements. ArentFox Schiff is proud to have members of this community among its ranks and looks forward to the contributions that AFSVets will bring to the firm and our communities.
AFSVets is led by the Army-Navy team of CPT Mir Ali, USA and LCDR Tan Anderson, USN. Tan completed ten years of active and reserve service as a nuclear submarine officer. Mir served seven years active duty and completed two combat tours in Afghanistan as a Detachment Commander of a Special Forces A-Team. Out of respect and appreciation for the firm’s support of veterans and reservists, they co-founded AFSVets with other active, reserve, former, and retired military and uniformed service employees. Tan and Mir are honored to co-lead this group.
Salary
Salary differential paid for staff & attorneys involuntarily recalled to active duty.
Creditable Hours
Creditable hours for staff & associates for reserve duty.
Consideration
Consideration of experience credit for veterans in assessing seniority for new hires.
Veteran-Focused
Using veteran-focused recruiters for open job positions.
Representation
Ensuring someone from AFSVets is represented in the interviewing process for all veteran candidates.
Mentorship
Creating a mentorship program for new veteran hires.
Members of AFSVets include reserve, former, and retired members of the US Army, US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, US National Guard, and US Coast Guard. At ArentFox Schiff, AFSVets include Partners, Associates, and professional staff.
Diversity Scholarship
At ArentFox Schiff, diversity, equity, inclusion, and empowerment are part of our DNA. We are committed to creating a diverse workplace where every individual knows they are valued, seen, heard, and a vital part of our firm.
Each year, the firm awards up to five diverse law students with a Diversity Scholarship and a salaried position in the firm’s summer associate program. The Scholarship Program is part of our efforts to increase diversity at the firm and in the legal profession. Since 2006, we have awarded dozens of scholarships to diverse law students across the country.
Learn more about our Diversity Scholarship.
AFS Career Opportunities
We want you! At ArentFox Schiff, we value Veterans’ unique experiences. Click here to see our open positions.
Questions?
From Military Service to Client Service
“So much success in the military has to do with leadership skills and teamwork, and that all transfers over to legal practice as well.”
“The Navy taught me to confront technical challenges with confidence and determination. There’s a saying in submarines to “nuke it out,” which means to figure out challenges using the building blocks learned in nuclear engineering training.”
“I found enjoyment in commanding troops and serving as the battalion commander’s adjutant. I gained extensive leadership experience that proved valuable in my practice and as the managing partner of my previous firm.”
“Both of my deployments instilled in me the idea that we — as humans — all have much more in common than it would seem. Our commonalities transcend languages and the borders that separate us.”
“My time in the CCP helped me develop my skills as a servant-leader who listens, guides, and is present for others. I rely on these skills daily as a lawyer, particularly in my work with trusts and estates.”
“The greatest lesson I learned was that leadership equals taking care of your people. You might not think it, but that lesson translates quite well to our teams at ArentFox Schiff serving our clients.”
“There’s a well-known military philosophy — adapt and overcome — that has served me well as an attorney. As an officer and attorney, you never know when you will have to change your tactics or strategy or take on a new task at the last minute.”
“My military experience instilled in me the importance of continuously learning new skills and information, adapting to ever-changing circumstances and schedules, and managing stressful situations that often require quick action. These attributes align well with the demands of legal practice.”
“During the final 12 years of my service, I held various positions as a military judge. The role of a judge was immensely rewarding – I relished the intellectual challenge and the responsibility of ensuring that justice was upheld in every case.”
“My experience as a merchant mariner and SSO taught me to excel under pressure and communicate effectively in challenging situations.”
“My military experience taught me the importance of good order and discipline, respecting the chain of command, the importance of organization, and understanding that every client has a story to tell.”
“The things I remember most are the sacrifices people make for freedom and a better life, the ability for people from the most varied backgrounds to work together to achieve common goals, and the will of humans to do literally anything for a better life.”