Where are they now?: Natalie Peterman -- 2013-14 Legislative Fellow

1. When did you participate in the Undergraduate Session Assistants Program or Senate Fellowship?

Senate Fellowship -- 2013-2014.

2. Which Senate office were you placed in during your internship/fellowship?

Senator Neil D. Breslin.

3. Briefly describe your responsibilities/day-to-day activities in your internship/fellowship office placement?

I was in charge of meeting with constituents and interest groups to discuss their concerns/ legislative needs/objectives and report back to the Senator; advised the Senator as to issues in front of the Judiciary Committee; attended Insurance Committee meetings and reviewed all the bills before the committee, as Senator Breslin was the ranker on the committee; attended conference meetings and legislative sessions; prepared legislative resolutions/proclamations; and handled some constituent issues. 

4. Where are you working now? Briefly describe your responsibilities/day-to-day activities in your current place of employment.

I am now an associate attorney at Gleason, Dunn, Walsh and O’Shea, a law firm in Albany, NY.  I currently focus on adoption law, health insurance law, labor and employment law, real estate closings, and contracting issues.   

5. What did you learn from participating in the New York State Senate internship/fellowship programs that you have been able to carry over to your new position?

 I had worked in the Legislature for a few years previous, so I felt fairly well-versed in a good deal of issues and skills.  However, the fellowship and placement office gave me more autonomy to discuss legislation and advise others on the issues.  I gained confidence in my own ability to analyze and convey that to other people, including senators and other staff members.  I learned a lot about Insurance and the Judiciary Committee that I utilize in my current position.  I learned that it cannot hurt to give your opinion and to have an open dialogue with those around you; even if you aren’t exactly correct, colleagues will appreciate you opening up and voicing your opinion in a respectful and intelligent way.