Tyler Lucas is motivated by a desire to help others. Throughout his life he has developed a deep sense of empathy—with it has come a feeling of responsibility to make others' lives better; the word noble comes to mind. This view, along with his time helping people in various ways—grant writing for nonprofits, volunteering with different advocacy groups, and his current position as a paralegal—have him poised to make a huge difference in the world. Despite his own struggles, he is a definite force for good.
Tyler has an ADHD diagnosis, and has difficulty with sensory integration, especially any sort of loud or sudden surrounding noise. He became aware of ACCES-VR when his future counselor, Melissa Jackson, came into his homeroom and gave an overview of services to prospective college-bound high school seniors. ACCES-VR's assistance proved extremely beneficial when Tyler began applying to colleges.
Tyler was accepted to Ithaca College; the transition from high school to college was a big change for him, but one with significant new freedoms. "When you get to college, it's more work, and more responsibility, but you get to manage it on your own. You finally have more agency than you ever had before." He was in a great place with the right support to develop his agency to its highest potential. "I was approached, unprompted, by the Disability Services Office at Ithaca and they were very accommodating."
Tyler began college as a journalism major but wasn't sure what he wanted to do with his life. During this time, he became more involved in advocacy, non-profits, and other types of civic engagement. These new experiences made Tyler think that helping a cause might be the direction he would like to take. These new interests led to internship possibilities, including one with the Ithaca Times, and he moved from journalism, to history, to writing. He graduated with a BA in Writing in May 2020.
Following graduation, Tyler began working with Andrea Todaro at Innovative Placements. They started by bouncing different career paths back and forth trying to determine which direction to take. At first, he thought he might enjoy writing grants and other proposals. "Andrea's work ethic and motivation are contagious." She helped immensely with resume editing and was there as a reaffirming voice to keep Tyler determined. Eventually, Tyler was hired on as a campaign writer, for a local race near his alma mater.
Tyler worked as a campaign writer for candidate Ed Kopko, who was running for District Attorney in Tompkins County. As the campaign writer, Tyler wrote an action plan for the DA's office, oversaw social media content, generated promotional materials, and was in charge of responding to reviews, and criticism, from the media and the opposing candidate. The opposing candidate won, but it was a great learning experience for Tyler, and led to some major opportunities that would shape his future including: a job as a paralegal at Ed Kopko's firm.
The firm specializes in civil rights and professional misconduct cases. In his role as a paralegal, Tyler has many responsibilities including: consulting with clients, corresponding with hospitals, doctors, judges, insurance companies, police departments, court clerks, and other lawyers (in fact Tyler is in charge of all of the correspondence), conducting research, and preparing pleas. It is a lot of responsibility, but he enjoys the work immensely and was pleased to go full-time at the firm this past October. He has 5 coworkers who have all been welcoming and helpful. "My coworkers are supportive and knowledgeable, which makes for a great environment—I learn something new every day." He also works closely with Ed, which is a tremendous boon.
Tyler has been bitten by the bug, so to speak; working closely under an experienced lawyer has spurred his interest in jurisprudence. He is no longer just a paralegal, but a paralegal on the path to practice law. Tyler sees the LSAT and law school in his future. He is currently leaning toward UB's law school and feels fortunate to have Ed as a mentor. "Sometimes I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do," says Tyler. Working with Ed has been like a crash course for him; Ed taught legal studies at Penn State for many years, so he is a great teacher for Tyler to gain some invaluable firsthand experience. Even when he isn't required for a certain task, Tyler is often invited to come along and encouraged to take notes and learn. "He actively encourages me every day."
Tyler loves helping others. "It's so gratifying to hear 'thank you'" he says. He works with all different types of people and sees the humanity in each and every one of them. Blessed with a naturally humble personality, he was not forthcoming when asked to share his accomplishments, but eventually acquiesced. Tyler was proud of a letter that he sent on behalf of a client to a judge, enabling his client to be diverted away from jail time. Instead, the client was able to enter rehab, and undergo treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, but more importantly, not be in jail, during the birth of his daughter. That's what it means to make a difference.
Tyler would like to continue this kind of work as his career develops. He wants to help regular people. "I need to be working someplace where I can be on a first name basis with my clients. I want to inspire a sense of wellbeing in the cases I take on." Most likely, he thinks, a small plaintiff's firm would best suit him: no corporate law. The hustle and bustle of a larger firm doesn't appeal to Tyler's sensibility, either.
"The hardest thing about finding employment, or the focus and resolve, to accomplish any endeavor, is loneliness," Tyler offers sagely. He is absolutely right. That is Andrea's greatest asset and her true gift. "She was so warm and heartening—you could call her up, and an 8 or 9-minute phone call could alter the trajectory of your day. She is great at making people feel heard." Tyler seems to have the same gift and is already putting it to good use. "I can't speak more highly of the support [Melissa, Andrea, Ed, and his coworkers] have given me. I am very humbled to share my story and success!"
— Martin Kilroy, Writer for Innovative Placements