#118: Joshua Scharff - General Counsel & Director, Programs at Brady
Aug 4, 2023
auto_awesome
Joshua Scharff, General Counsel & Director, Programs at Brady, talks about pursuing dual degrees in law and international relations, the challenges of working towards a safer future amidst gun violence, and provides advice for starting out in the legal profession.
Josh Sharf transitioned from litigating gun violence prevention cases to focusing on policy and program development for reducing gun violence.
Josh advises aspiring policy workers to seek opportunities for involvement and encourages new lawyers to stay true to their values and seek experiences aligned with their interests.
Deep dives
Path to Law School and Becoming a Lawyer
Josh Sharf grew up around the law and always saw law school as a logical choice. He applied to law school while planning a backpacking trip to Southeast Asia. After completing law school, he pursued a master's degree in international studies from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. This dual degree opened up opportunities in both international relations and law.
Transition from Litigation to Policy Work
After several years of litigating cases related to gun violence prevention, Josh transitioned to the programs and policy side at Brady. His experience in litigation provided him with valuable skills in investigations, narrative building, and critical thinking. He now focuses on the reform of the gun industry and building a multifaceted approach to reducing gun violence through policy and program development.
The Role of General Counsel at Brady
Josh recently took on the role of general counsel at Brady, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending gun violence. His day-to-day responsibilities include providing legal guidance on contracts, compliance, and organizational structure. This position allows him to combine his legal expertise with a broader understanding of organizational needs and goals.
Advice for Those Pursuing Policy Work
Josh advises those interested in policy work to look for opportunities to get involved, such as pro bono work or volunteer positions. He encourages new lawyers to be open-minded and to not limit themselves by fear of rejection. By staying true to their values and seeking out experiences aligned with their interests, they can find their way into the impactful work they desire.
In today’s episode I speak with Josh Scharff who is the General Counsel & Director, Programs at Brady, the Campaign to End Gun Violence.
Before joining Brady more than 5.5 years ago, Joshua served as an associate at Peer, Gan, & Gisler LLP, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm with a nationwide litigation practice and a special focus on effective resolution of labor and employment disputes. Joshua is a graduate of Rutgers (Go Scarlett Knights), the George Washington University Law School(Go Colonials), and holds a Masters in International Studies from John Hopkins School of Advanced Internal Studies (Go Blue Jays).