A Different Kind of Practice

As a first-generation college student and lawyer, Miriam had no immediate family members in the legal profession, but her parents encouraged the curiosity and work ethic that would serve her well.

"My mom, a children's author, always inspired me through her hard work and determination," she says. "My dad instilled in me a love of politics, history, and reading—interests that naturally lend themselves to a legal career."

Although she began college on the pre-med track, Miriam discovered that medicine wasn't the right fit after completing her undergraduate studies. An unexpected source of encouragement helped her reconsider her future.

"My husband was in law school at the time, and he kept telling me, 'You could do this better than I can,'" she recalls. "He still says I'm the better lawyer—but the jury's out, excuse the pun. He's an outstanding corporate and tax lawyer himself."

Miriam chose Touro because it offered the flexibility she needed to balance work and school while providing a challenging academic environment grounded in community.

"Touro was academically rigorous and professional, but it also had the warmth, collaboration, and cultural accommodations that only a community-oriented school can offer," she explains. "The skills I developed at Touro prepared me to think critically, work hard, and embrace new challenges. Those lessons continue to serve me every day."

That rigorous education proved invaluable when she arrived at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. Despite transitioning from science to law, Miriam found herself well prepared for the demands of legal education.

"I didn't find the transition particularly difficult," she says. "The same study habits and analytical thinking that helped me succeed in organic chemistry and anatomy and physiology translated directly to law school. The subject matter changed, but the discipline and approach remained the same."

Today, as an associate at Venable LLP, Miriam represents clients in a broad range of commercial litigation matters, including business and contract disputes, regulatory compliance, and class action defense. Her work requires both careful attention to detail and the ability to adapt to the unique circumstances of every case.

"One day I might be researching a niche procedural issue or drafting a motion. Another day I could be preparing for depositions, reviewing evidence, meeting with clients to develop strategy, or getting ready for a hearing or trial. It's intellectually challenging, and that's one of the things I enjoy most about it," she says.

For Miriam, the opportunity to build a career that is both intellectually engaging and professionally rewarding is deeply meaningful.

"I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to do work that is both intellectually and socially stimulating," she says.

Although she is still in the early stages of her legal career, Miriam is excited to continue exploring new opportunities and growing as an attorney.

"I'm still learning what my long-term path will look like," she says. "Eventually, I'd love to either build my own practice or move into an in-house counsel role. For now, I'm focused on becoming the best lawyer I can be and taking advantage of every opportunity to learn."