Dallas Asst. U.S. Attorney Credits Higher Education With Being Able To Help The Public
As Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Taly Haffar's job is to put the bad guys behind bars and keep citizens safe.
Haffar, a native Dallasite, wanted to be a professional soccer player and played in college but tore his ACL. Thinking about what to do next in his life, Haffar went to a law school fair. As a college student, Haffar took a variety of classes but majored in Political Science. He met with one of his professors who was a former attorney, the professor suggested that he pursue litigation because of his competitive nature.
Haffar graduated with a Political Science degree from Boston University. After his first year of law school, he worked as an intern at the Dallas County District Attorney's Office. On the first day on the job, they were starting a serial rape case.
"The lead prosecutor shook my hand, handed me a legal pad and told me to write everything down. I was introduced as part of the legal team and sat at the counsel table. It was incredible," said Haffar.
After the defendant in that case was convicted, Haffar observed the good that prosecutors do – providing closure to victims and holding criminals accountable – and realized that's what he wanted to be.
Upon receiving his law degree from Santa Clara University, he was offered a position at the Dallas County District Attorney's Office.
Throughout his career, Haffar has prosecuted high-profile cases, served as an instructor at the Dallas Police Academy on trial procedure and mentored legal interns. After several years, Haffar saw an opportunity to prosecute more complex offenses. He applied for a position with the United States Attorney's Office. As an Assistant United States Attorney in the Violent Crimes division, he prosecutes gangs, bank robbers and gun and drug trafficking organizations.
"Without having gone to college and law school, I would not have a job that I absolutely love. I never have a boring workday. I work to help keep the streets safe. It is my contribution to society. This opportunity would not exist without higher education."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com