Three veterans at Chuhak & Tecson, a law firm, say their military service has shaped the way they approach their legal careers. Rather than focusing on combat, they highlight qualities such as leadership, resilience, discipline, and fearlessness.
Navy veteran Bill DeYoung says, “In the military, you’re asked to do extremely difficult things and take on heavy life-and-death responsibilities at a very young age. Knowing that others are counting on you and that you also count on those around you, instills a sense of ownership and resilience and an appreciation of collaboration and leadership. It gives you the confidence that you can handle whatever challenges are thrown at you.”
DeYoung enlisted in the Navy in 1970 after high school. He became a jet mechanic and served on the USS America during its deployment to Vietnam. The experience taught him about leadership under pressure and how to keep focused despite stress or isolation. He later attended Northwestern University and pursued a career in aviation law.
He adds, “I knew the nuts and bolts of aviation and had the hard skills to be a good litigator, but the Navy gave me the fearlessness to do the hard stuff, to never shy away from a challenge. When I’m preparing for or trying a complex, high-stakes case or am involved in intense negotiations, I draw on that self-confidence and resolve and have yet to find myself intimidated, overwhelmed or hesitant no matter the headwinds. Those are the qualities that I think most veterans bring to the table, no matter what field they’re in.”
Steve Wood served as a Marine aviator before becoming co-leader of Chuhak & Tecson’s litigation practice. He describes his motivation: “I had a deep desire to do something meaningful, to serve my country and a cause bigger than myself. I also wanted to challenge myself and really test my limits. That is why I chose to join the Marine Corps.”
Wood explains how adversity built his confidence: “When you’re thrown into unfamiliar, dangerous or daunting situations, you have no choice but to be resourceful and fearless,” he says. “You learn a lot about what you’re capable of, which is a lot more than you perhaps thought you were capable of before serving in the Corps.”
He notes that working with people from different backgrounds broadened his perspective: “Serving closely, often under demanding circumstances, with people from so many different backgrounds and life experiences gives you a broader, more well-rounded and open-minded worldview that serves you well in your future professional relationships and dealings. It makes you more interesting and it makes you more interested in learning from the perspectives of others. I think that helps me when I am trying to connect with judges or juries and understand where other parties are coming from in a way that can facilitate positive outcomes.”
Army veteran Michael Hall began his service after encouragement from his mother. He worked as both support staff for other units and as an Army recruiter before returning home to Chicago.
Hall describes how military values shaped him: “‘Discipline,’ ‘focus’ and ‘determination’ are the terms Army veteran Hall uses to describe the personal qualities he developed during his time in the service.” He continues: “You learn pretty quickly to eliminate the words ‘quit’ and ‘can’t’ from your vocabulary,” Hall says. “You draw on your own strength as well as the inspiration of the people around you to find a way to get the job done and you never stop trying to do that job better than you did before.”
After leaving active duty Hall started working at Chuhak & Tecson as mailroom staff before earning his paralegal certificate at Roosevelt University.
“As a paralegal, you know that your attorneys are counting on you to have their back, to take initiative and figure out how to solve problems,” he says. “In the Army… The determination to find a way no matter what… is how you earn trust…that has been foundation of my paralegal career.”
All three veterans agree their service is valued by colleagues at Chuhak & Tecson.
Wood says: “Sadly, I have encountered others… who view military service dismissively… That is far from case here. People get it… The veterans at this firm feel appreciated…”
DeYoung adds: “The recognition that thoughtful inspiring leadership is irreplaceable for firm… many qualities make for successful attorney are those instilled in military…”
The firm expresses gratitude for its veterans’ contributions.