#107: Kevin Elliker - Investigations & Appeals Lawyer, Former Federal Prosecutor, and Former Investigative Counsel to the January 6th House Select Committee
Mar 17, 2023
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Kevin Elliker, Investigations & Appeals Lawyer, Former Federal Prosecutor, and Former Investigative Counsel to the January 6th House Select Committee, discusses pivoting from teaching to law, experiences as a federal prosecutor, and the importance of finding happiness in the legal profession.
Kevin Elliker shares his journey from being a high school teacher to pursuing a career in law, highlighting how his passion for history and desire for deeper discussions led him to consider law school as a logical next step.
Kevin Elliker discusses his experiences as a law clerk, reflecting on the valuable lessons learned, mentorship received, and the development of judgment and legal reasoning skills.
Kevin Elliker emphasizes the significance of judgment in prosecutorial work, both in making difficult decisions that impact individuals and communities and in the hiring process where judgment is assessed through ethical considerations and navigating challenging situations.
Deep dives
Transition from Teaching to Law School
Kevin Ellaker, a counsel at Hutton Andrews Curth in Richmond, Virginia, shares his journey from being a high school history teacher to pursuing a career in law. Initially aspiring to be a teacher, Kevin realized that the delivery aspect of teaching didn't fulfill him as much as studying history and discussing its importance. This led him to consider law school as a logical next step where he could delve into a subject area and interact with adults. Ultimately, he made the decision to attend law school, which opened doors to clerkships and diverse legal opportunities.
The Unique Experiences of Law Clerkships
Kevin Ellaker discusses his experiences as a law clerk, both at the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Eastern District of Virginia. He highlights the differences between clerking on the district court, which was more dynamic and unpredictable, and clerking on the appellate court, which was more monastic and intensive in terms of writing and revision. He reflects on the invaluable lessons learned, the mentorship he received, and the development of judgment and legal reasoning skills during his clerkships.
Transition to Prosecution and the Importance of Judgment
Kevin Ellaker recounts his transition from private practice to becoming a prosecutor at the US Attorney's Office in Richmond. Seeking a sense of public service and the opportunity to have more courtroom experience, Kevin took the leap into prosecution. He emphasizes the significant role of judgment in prosecutorial work, which goes beyond legal knowledge. Judgment involves making difficult decisions that impact the lives of individuals and their communities. Kevin also discusses the importance of judgment in the hiring process, where it is assessed through ethical considerations and the ability to navigate challenging situations.
Choosing a Law Firm Based on Development Opportunities
When considering job offers from different law firms, it is essential to assess if the firm will invest in developing your skills and making you the best lawyer you can be. Some firms prioritize this by providing training and mentorship, while others may focus more on retaining lawyers long-term. The key is to determine if the firm's values align with your career goals and if they will support your growth as a junior lawyer.
The Importance of Personal Compatibility in Choosing a Legal Environment
When deciding where to practice law, it is crucial to consider the day-to-day environment and the personal dynamics within the firm or institution. Some individuals thrive when they have a friendly and supportive relationship with their colleagues and enjoy getting to know them on a personal level. On the other hand, some prefer a more professional and reserved atmosphere. Assessing your own preferences and finding a workplace that aligns with those preferences can significantly impact your comfort and job satisfaction.
In today’s episode I speak with Kevin Elliker who is currently Counsel at Hunton Andrews Kurth in Richmond, Virginia where he focuses on Appeals, Litigation and Investigations. Prior to rejoining the Firm in October 2022, Kevin spent three years in government service first as an Assistant United States Attorney in Richmond and most recently as an Investigative Counsel for the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. He also assisted in an independent review commissioned by the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, to examine the City’s response to protest events in the summer of 2017, resulting in a published report detailing the independent review’s findings.
Kevin started his law career as a clerk to Judge King of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and Judge Gibney on the Eastern District of Virginia. Prior to Law School at William & Mary (Go Tribe) where he graduated number 1 in his class, Kevin was a High School history and government teacher for two years. He is a graduate of James Madison University (Go Dukes).
In our conversation we discuss his decision to pivot from teaching high school to the law; how his experience teaching helped him find success in law school; securing his two clerkships and what he learned from each, his time as a federal prosecutor and investigations attorney for the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol where he conducted more than 60 interviews and depositions, provided Congressional briefings, coordinated the presentation of evidence for televised hearings, and contributed to the Committee’s final report; why being a "Fourth Circuit Nerd" helped him get opportunities at his firm; his work in private practice; and more.
🙏 Thanks to Episode Sponsors
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