After the JAG Corps: Navigating Your Career Progression

By Tom WelshBusiness Careers

After the JAG Corps: Navigating Your Career Progression episodes

November 25, 2023 99. Zach Prager's Journey from the Navy to the Department of the Commerce
This week, I talk to Zach Prager who left active duty last October. I asked Zach to share his journey as he was someone who reached out to me because of my podcast and I wanted to hear how his career progression went. As you will hear, Zach went through a period of discernment during which he examined both corporate and government work, the latter which he ended up taking and is enjoying very much. Zach's profile is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/zprager/
36 min
November 18, 2023 98. The Honorable Mark Blask Talks Service and Relationships
In this podcast, former legalman and retired LCDR Mark Blask tells us how he became the Mayor of his hometown of Little Falls, NY, how his experience in the Navy shaped his leadership, and is perspective that everything starts with relationships. By far one of the most charismatic individuals with whom I ever met, and someone I consider fortunate to call a friend, shares his insights and perspectives (as well as some humor). Blaskie's LinkedIn profile can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-blask-a5323a262/.
32 min
November 11, 2023 97. Steve Coopersmith: From Running a VITA Center to Law Firm Founder and Business Leader
In his brief three year stint in the Army, Steve Coopersmith wore many hats, including as a legal assistance attorney, SJA and trial counsel. However, he credits being thrust into the position of running a Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Center as a formative experience that set him on a course that led to becoming a business dispute lawyer and running his own law firm. Steve's LinkedIn profile can be viewed at https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-coopersmith-5523a01/
34 min
November 04, 2023 96. Deep Thoughts With Scott Johnson
This morning, we hear from Scott Johnson, who retired from the Navy in 2017, and is now on his third job with his current role working for a private equity firm, which is also his longest stint. Scott is someone with whom I had many conversations about career progression long before the concept of a podcast came to mind and he has some well-developed thoughts on the chasm between an individual's military service and trying to break into the civilian workspace. Scott's LI profile is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottgjohnsonattorney/
33 min
October 28, 2023 95. Field of Dreams: A Conversation with "Johnny Baseball" Nilsen
Although they will not admit it, every grown man who has seen Dennis Quaid in "The Rookie" got a tear in his eye when pitcher Jim Morris gets called up to the big leagues as a 35 year-old rookie. In this episode, we get to hear the JAG Corps version of this true story in which a washed-up 50+ year-old former college baseball player and career JAG, Captain Johnny Nilsen, gets the call from his favorite team, the San Diego Padres to apply for their Military Affairs advisor position that was opening up. Unlike the protagonist in the movie, however, Johnny Baseball had a big problem: he needed to be available to take the job in weeks and he had yet to even submit a retirement request. This episode has it all: West Virginia, Skillbridge, and America's pastime. Johnny Baseball's LinkedIn profile can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-nilsen-b90962107/ Check it out!
42 min
October 21, 2023 94. Dave Coogan: From the Halls of Montezuma to Private Practice in Pittsburgh
This week, Dave Coogan takes us through his journey from serving as a judge advocate to private practice in the City of Champions, Pittsburgh, PA. HE talks about the importance of having a five-year plan, of being deliberate in the job search, the importance of gathering intel about a firm's culture, and the value of the JAG Corps network. Dave's LI profile is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davecoogan/.
28 min
October 14, 2023 93. Lisa Lang: From Boot Camp to University General Counsel
This week, I change course and talk to Lisa Lang, who enlisted in the Army after college, spent about 8 years on active duty, and then went to law school. Although not a former JAG, her experiences as an enlisted soldier and as a lawyer in private practice, government, and now education, may be beneficial to transitioning judge advocates. Lisa's LinkedIn profile is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawyerlisalang/
37 min
October 07, 2023 92. Will Fischbach: Former Army JAG Who Cannot Say No
Will Fischbach and I spent nearly 80 minutes talking about his life, schooling, his time as an Army JAG, private practice, and public service. While editing of our conversation I came to realize the relevance of everything we discussed: Will’s willingness to do anything that he was asked to do in the Army has shaped his approach to private practice in Phoenix, AZ; he is an attorney who is not afraid to take on various types of cases.
57 min
September 30, 2023 91. Ben Grimes: Focused on Helping Attorneys and Firms Grow
As Ben Grimes will tell you, he never set out to be an attorney, but as a Blackhawk pilot who realized that continued service in the Army meant transitioning out of the cockpit to staff duty, decided to become the "staffiest"of all staff officers by becoming a JAG. A self-described "legal ethics geek," Ben then jumped at the opportunity to provide professional ethics advice to attorneys at the Department of Justice, a job which he held for almost seven years. However, realizing that he missed leading, Ben has now become a leadership coach with a focus on helping lawyers and firms break through dysfunction.
39 min
September 23, 2023 90. "I Just Wanted to Be Part of a Team" - Joe Schrantz, VP of Business Development at Dauntless Discovery
My conversation today is with Joe Schrantz who articulates a reason why many of us join the service: to be part of a team. It is a desire that has shaped his entire life, from playing sports as a kid and in college to joining the Marine Corps to his work now as Vice President of Business Development at Dauntless Discovery, an e-discovery firm. Joe's LinkedIn profile is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-schrantz/. To learn more about Dauntless Discovery, visit https://dauntlessdiscovery.com/.
36 min

About After the JAG Corps: Navigating Your Career Progression

From the publisher's feed

A podcast to assist judge advocates separating or retiring from the military by providing information on post-service opportunities, job search strategies, and other resources as they navigate the…