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Two TJSL ALums in D.C. Named to Federal Government Positions

April 5, 2013

Alums in D.C.

Two TJSL alumni in the Washington, D.C. area, Hallie and Alexander Balkin, have just started new positions with the federal government.

Alexander Balkin ‘11 has been hired by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in Washington, D.C., as a Program Analyst in the Division of Planning and Budget, Internal Control and Planning Team.

His wife, TJSL alumna Hallie Tremaine Balkin ‘10 has also just started a new position as Assistant Counsel with the United States Marine Corps System Command (MCSC).

Both are thrilled about their new positions!

“I am honored to be chosen by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for this position,” said Alexander Balkin.  “An extensive and talented pool of individuals apply for Federal jobs and it is humbling to receive an offer. Furthermore, the NRC is a highly regarded organization with a vital mission. I cannot imagine a more satisfying place to contribute my time and effort. “

In his position, Balkin is responsible for extensive and complex evaluations of NRC policies, procedures, programs and their compliance with applicable laws, regulations and guidance.  He will provide agency level review and analysis of internal control, planning, performance management, contract management, and budget and financial management activities.  Based on such evaluations, the Program Analyst formulates recommendations and action plans to be presented to agency management.

Hallie Balkin’s position with MCSC is in the Office of Counsel, which supports MCSC acquisition and sustainment missions.  While the Assistant Counsel concentrates primarily on federal acquisition law, she will also be called upon to provide legal services in Freedom of Information and Privacy Act law, ethics and standards of conduct, fiscal law and other Navy Office of General Counsel (OGC) areas of practice.

“The day I came home to a written offer from the Marine Corps System Command, I felt incredibly humbled,” said Hallie Balkin. “My father dedicated 26 years to the U.S. Air Force, as did my grandfather.  It is an immense honor to serve the Federal Government, especially while supporting our U.S. military. “

The Balkins both feel that their careers were made possible by their experience as law students at TJSL.

“During my first semester at TJSL in Professor Joy Delman’s Torts I class, I learned how to dissect a complex issue and analyze factor by factor,” said Hallie. “Professor Delman’s exceptional training has remained a part of my analytical method throughout my legal career, and for this, I am grateful to her and TJSL. “

“My education at TJSL prepared me well for the duties of this position,” said Alexander.  “Conducting agency program and legal compliance reviews will require all of my legal knowledge and analytic abilities.  Additionally, communicating complex concepts clearly and simply will be essential to my success. I know my training at TJSL provided me these skills along with the professional confidence needed to utilize them in the workplace. “

After graduation, Hallie accepted a position with the Washington Headquarters Services Acquisition Directorate, which is a part of the Department of Defense. She began her new position with MCSC in February.

“Obtaining my J.D. at TJSL has allowed me to pursue a career in a field I am passionate about,” Hallie said.  “I feel incredibly fortunate to join the U.S. Marine Corps System Command as Assistant Counsel, and I look forward to spending the next chapter of my career in Quantico, Virginia.”

Both Alex and Hallie are part of a thriving group of TJSL alumni living and working in the Washington, D.C. area.  Among them are Christie Edwards ‘07, Susie Lorden ‘08, Todd Knode, Yodit Asfar ’09, Ike Emejuru ’09, Christopher Winslow ’06, Sheila Bryant ’99 and Elika Naraghi ’05.