After traveling through 45 countries, conquering four languages, passing bar exams in three states, and playing the saxophone all over the world, this November TJSL Alumna Kristen Spees ‘11 will face off against incumbent Mark Amodei for Nevada's House of Representative seat in District 2.
An outdoor enthusiast, at TJSL Spees enjoyed groups like the TJSL Surf Society and intramural sports teams. Spees also took advantage of the study abroad program, “It was fantastic. Everything was well planned and the teachers were great mentors. I would recommend that every student go to China and France with TJSL.”
“I received a great legal education and I am so happy I went to Thomas Jefferson,” Spees said. “The faculty and staff of TJSL were so helpful. Career services were helpful in finding internship opportunities. The facility was top-notch.”
Spees' advice to current students, “Do as many internships as possible to discover what part of the law you really enjoy. There are so many facets of the law and you can find your passion by exploring different avenues.”
Always dedicated to community efforts, after graduating Spees volunteered assisting the local high school's “We the People” mock congressional hearing team and in a local conservation program while clerking for a local judge in her hometown. Now an estate planning attorney, Spees states, “I got into estate planning because I find it to be great part of the law. I rarely go to court and I enjoy meeting with clients and helping them plan for their future.”
Eager for progress Spees' decision to run for the U.S. House of Representatives came shortly after having passed the bar in California, Hawaii and Nevada. “I won the primary for the election and now I am traveling and speaking all over Northern Nevada,” Spees said. “I have met so many people in my journey and it is great to hear what they have to say and to see what I can do for them if I am elected.”