Aoife Moore Kavanagh made headlines six years ago when she became one of the youngest people ever to pass the New York Bar Exam.
The then 23-year-old began working with a law firm in New York after passing that exam and having worked tirelessly for the past six years and working her way up the legal ladder the former Dromiskin N.S pupil has been promoted to Partner at Lewis Brisbois which is one of the 100 largest law firms in the United States.
A law firm partner is an attorney who holds partial ownership of a firm. In exchange for partial ownership, they generate revenue for the firm.
Aside from the financial profit a law firm partner can gain, this accomplishment is a major career goal for many lawyers. Being a partner in a firm is a prestigious position and gives you an opportunity to make your mark on your corner of the legal world. Aoife’s love of law was fostered by her old 6th class teacher in Dromiskin N.S, Pat Mulligan who she has said helped her believe that anything is possible while supporting and encouraging her dreams to one day become a lawyer.
According to Aoife, she is proud that she has accomplished what she set out to do when first arriving in New York.
“First the dream was to become a New York lawyer and when I ticked that box six years ago, I set myself a goal of becoming a law firm partner before the age of 30. I am so happy and proud to say that today that dream has come true. I’m so excited for the next chapter,” stated Aoife.
“Since passing the New York bar exam and getting a job in a law firm in the city, I worked my way up the legal ladder starting out as an associate, then a senior associate. That wasn’t easy. As soon as I passed the Bar Exam I spent 6 months searching for a job and probably sent in the region of 1200 emails until I received an offer that was right for me.”
“I was then promoted to Of Counsel before starting my new position as Partner at Lewis Brisbois, an AmLaw 100 firm (one of the 100 largest firms in the US),” explained Aoife.
“Usually American students pass the Bar Exam and start practicing law around the age of 26 so to be Partner at 30 is a dream come true!
“I focus my practice on construction accidents that occur throughout the State of New York and regularly network with other Irish professionals in the legal sector at events held by the Irish American Bar Association of New York and the Brehon Law Society of New York.
Aoife’s old sixth class teacher Pat Mulligan remembers a very focused, driven student with a great love for English and a love for law.
“Aoife always stood out as a pupil with very good ability and she was especially good at English. She often stated to me that she wanted to become a lawyer and as a teacher you want to encourage and support a child and help them reach their goals. Her tenacity and determination was there for all to see when she passed the New York Bar Exam after narrowly failing to get it the first time around. It’s fantastic to see her doing so well and I send my congratulations to Aoife. As a teacher, hearing stories like this are very rewarding and it’s always great to see old pupils doing well,” added Pat.
