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Meet the Veteran: Mathew B. Tully, Law Enforcement Professional
After Mathew B. Tully, Esq. escaped from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, his career as a military litigation specialist grew more personal. Like many soldiers and veterans, Mr. Tully aspired to secure justice-based law enforcement jobs after his time in active duty.
Unique and challenging law enforcement jobs often require a college degree. Mathew Tully earned his bachelor's degree and JD after experiencing military discrimination from a former employer. Here, he discusses his law enforcement career path, involvement with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and how his military experience benefited his civilian career.
Q: How would you describe your current career, and what is your favorite part of the work you do?A: I am the head of a growing law firm, and am an attorney who specializes in protecting the rights of disabled veterans and military members. I love helping military members and making a difference with what I do.
Soldiers and reservists often turn towards criminal justice and law enforcement careers after active duty. Making a difference in their communities at home plays a strong role in their lifelong careers.
A: Outside of my law career, I am the Chief of the Schenectady County SPCA which is a New York State Law Enforcement Agency (we have badges, guns, and cars with lights). My job is a lot like what you would see on the show "Animal Cop" on Animal Planet. Being a SPCA chief is very rewarding--especially when you know you've saved an animal from a dangerous situation.
A: I felt that being a lawyer would be the best way to help a lot of people. I wanted to be able to protect my fellow military members and veterans as a civilian. I became involved with the SPCA because I wanted to help animals. Pets can't speak for themselves and I think it's important to protect them.
Q: How does your experience as an Iraq War veteran and as a current National Guard Member come into play in your work life?A: It gives me instant credibility with members of the military. Most war veterans like to deal with other veterans. My background has helped our firm gain valuable clients, and become a recognized leader in military law. My military background also allows me to communicate easily with local law enforcement because many law enforcement agents also have military backgrounds. As an SPCA officer, being a veteran creates common ground when I am dealing with a variety of people.
Q: What advice would you give other veterans considering a degree in criminal justice and law enforcement?A: Do it! Being a student is hard work, but that short amount of pain will bring a lifetime of rewards. The best thing I did was go to law school. I encourage veterans to take advantage of the GI bill and gain a valuable education. Then, while going to school take advantage of any opportunity to make connections in the criminal justice world. For instance, I worked as a federal corrections officer. Interning or working as a public safety dispatcher are also great ways to gain name recognition among law enforcement agencies
Q: How does online education play a part in your life today?The most challenging part of my life is balancing all of my different responsibilities. Most recently I enrolled in an online master's degree program. I am excited about pursuing an advanced degree in space studies from American Military University. I also have a wonderful family and I am an officer in the National Guard. My work-life, family life, education, and serving the country, are all roles that are very important to me.
