Joint J.D./LL.M. maritime law student Craig Kochheiser knew he would serve in the military when he was 6 years old. Speaking with veteran teachers in high school and at Florida State University solidified his desire and helped him find a purpose in service.
He underwent a rigorous selection process that lasted more than a year to join the U.S. Army Special Forces. He was deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Central America as an intelligence sergeant.
Kochheiser was interested in the various international policies the military had to follow overseas. Exchanging tactical strategies with soldiers and understanding their culture expanded his worldview. He treasures how simple conversations let him walk in someone else's shoes.
"The ability to see the way they do things, to train them on the way we do things, to learn things culturally, to exchange not just tactically and jobwise, but also on a personal level," Kochheiser said. "I think that's the biggest takeaway that I got."
His time doing research and critical analysis to conduct operations honed his mind for law school. After retiring from the military, Kochheiser still wanted to serve the community. Law school became the logical next step in his career.
Kochheiser looked forward in law school to examining the Constitution, federal statutes, state laws, and municipal laws to see how they impact other policies and ensure the rule of law.
Conversations with foreign leaders have shown him that the most effective skills of a military leader are equally valuable for a legal leader. He seeks to integrate these skills to better serve his clients in the courtroom.
Miami Law's veteran resources helped him decide to attend the University of Miami. The University's robust course catalog and flexible class times convinced him that he could balance completing his degree in maritime law and spending time with his family.
"Miami does a tremendous job at making it a great environment for veterans," said Kochheiser.
He knows UM's promise to care for veterans is not hollow, as evidenced by the University's funding of military organizations, paid positions for veterans, and military representatives on campus.
Kochheiser is also a member of the Veteran Law Students Society, which unites him with those who understand him the most. He also manages a law networking association called Ends of the Court that brings practitioners together.
Being a passionate fisherman, Kochheiser thinks the best of Miami is on the water. He cherishes how his degree lets him dive into what he loves and its reach into the cruise industry, tournament fishing, and workers' rights in the maritime field.
After his 1L year, he worked as a summer associate with Wicker Smith in West Palm Beach. He recently accepted a job offer from Wicker Smith and looks forward to bringing his tactical mindset to focus on medical malpractice defense.
Though medical malpractice and maritime law are different fields, Kochheiser feels confident in bringing his specialty to any case to bring about the best result.
"We never know what opportunities arise and often lawyers specialize in multiple areas of law to be value-added for clients and the firm overall," Kochheiser said. "I get to represent and advocate for my client in the best possible way under the framework of the law."
Kochheiser commutes to the U from West Palm Beach, an hour and a half away from his family, but feels the drive is worth it.
"Through just the networking opportunities at UM, I've had opportunities to sit down with federal judges," Kochheiser said. "If it wasn't for being at the University of Miami, there'd be no opportunity for me to interact with them."
Read more about Miami Law's Veteran Resources.
