Former JAG Attorney Facilitates Owners Second Amendment Rights
E. Allen Chandler grew up in a small town in Minnesota. The career options in the area were working in a cement plant or a glass factory. Chandler went to library to research scholarships, where he found information on military scholarships. After going through extensive interviews, he was awarded a full scholarship and earned a bachelor's degree from Saint John's University. He earned his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law and his Master of Laws at The Judge Advocate Generals School.
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"My parents, who did not attend college, raised my three siblings and me with a great respect for education and for highly educated people. They made clear to all of us Chandler children, even at a young age, that a master's degree opened doors to career opportunities not otherwise available."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"I understand the misgivings you might have to go back to school, particularly in this tough economy, but if you are pursuing what you love, it's well worth the sacrifice to get your masters degree. After earning my LLM, I took the opportunity to work for the Army and United Nations in Sarajevo, Bosnia, negotiating multinational legal agreements. Not only did I love the experience of getting my JD and LLM, but it paid dividends in giving me credibility at the negotiating table and, literally, in opening the world to me."
What was your biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"The financial cost and the opportunity cost. Even though the Army sponsored my law school education, money and living expenses were very tight. I ate a lot of potatoes and ketchup during that time. Also, the cost of what many consider to be 'putting your life on hold' while getting your degree. But, I experienced later, my career goals and income developed much quicker with a master's degree. You get payback so to speak."
What was the biggest reward for earning your master's degree?
"It has opened doors of opportunity that otherwise would have been closed to me. My biggest personal reward is my current role as director of legal services at Firearms Legal Protection. I work for a wonderful company in Texas – as head of legal defense services for gun owners across the country. I couldn't be happier."
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