Skip to main content

Nixon Peabody LLP

  • People
  • Capabilities
  • Insights
  • About
Trending Topics
    • People
    • Capabilities
    • Insights
    • About
    • Locations
    • Events
    • Careers
    • Alumni
    Practices

    View All

    • Affordable Housing
    • Community Development Finance
    • Corporate & Finance
    • Cybersecurity & Privacy
    • Entertainment & Media
    • Environmental
    • Franchising & Distribution
    • Government Investigations & White Collar Defense
    • Healthcare
    • Intellectual Property
    • International Services
    • Labor, Employment, and Benefits
    • Litigation
    • Private Wealth & Advisory
    • Project Finance
    • Public Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Regulatory & Government Relations
    Industries

    View All

    • Aviation
    • Cannabis
    • Consumer
    • Energy
    • Financial Services
    • Healthcare
    • Higher Education
    • Infrastructure
    • Manufacturing
    • Nonprofit Organizations
    • Real Estate
    • Sports & Stadiums
    • Technology
    Value-Added Services

    View All

    • Alternative Fee Arrangements

      Developing innovative pricing structures and alternative fee agreement models that deliver additional value for our clients.

    • Continuing Education

      Advancing professional knowledge and offering credits for attorneys, staff and other professionals.

    • Crisis Advisory

      Helping clients respond correctly when a crisis occurs.

    • DEI Strategic Services

      Providing our clients with legal, strategic, and practical advice to make transformational changes in their organizations.

    • eDiscovery

      Leveraging law and technology to deliver sound solutions.

    • Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

      We help clients create positive return on investments in people, products, and the planet.

    • Global Services

      Delivering seamless service through partnerships across the globe.

    • Innovation

      Leveraging leading-edge technology to guide change and create seamless, collaborative experiences for clients and attorneys.

    • IPED

      Industry-leading conferences focused on affordable housing, tax credits, and more.

    • Legal Project Management

      Providing actionable information to support strategic decision-making.

    • Legally Green

      Teaming with clients to advance sustainable projects, mitigate the effects of climate change, and protect our planet.

    • Nixon Peabody Trust Company

      Offering a range of investment management and fiduciary services.

    • NP Capital Connector

      Bringing together companies and investors for tomorrow’s new deals.

    • NP Second Opinion

      Offering fresh insights on cases that are delayed, over budget, or off-target from the desired resolution.

    • NP Trial

      Courtroom-ready lawyers who can resolve disputes early on clients’ terms or prevail at trial before a judge or jury.

    • Social Impact

      Creating positive impact in our communities through increasing equity, access, and opportunity.

    • Women in Dealmaking

      We provide strategic counsel on complex corporate transactions and unite dynamic women in the dealmaking arena.

    1. Home
    2. Insights
    3. Articles
    4. NP colleagues, military veterans share their perspectives

      Articles

    Article

    NP colleagues, military veterans share their perspectives

    Nov 8, 2021

    LinkedInX (Twitter)EmailCopy URL

    By David Song, Armando Batastini, Kevin Saunders and Conor McNamara

    NP colleagues—representing former service members and reservists—share their perspectives on better supporting our veterans.

    This month, we celebrate those who served in the United States Armed Forces and sacrificed so much to preserve our freedom. We’re especially proud to honor Nixon Peabody military veterans, reservists, and active-duty service members, as well as our military families. These colleagues have all made courageous contributions to our country. Through their discipline, leadership, and collaborative spirit at the firm—they continue to embody the values they learned while serving.

    Many of NP’s former and current service members tirelessly advocate for veterans nationwide. They’ve leveraged pro bono and other opportunities to advance related causes and create a positive impact in our communities. Nixon Peabody offers a robust Veterans Resource Group, where colleagues share their stories and discuss opportunities to bolster veterans’ initiatives throughout our regions.

    As we approach Veterans Day, we wanted to hear from our colleagues about the lessons they carry forward from their time in the military. We surveyed six NP colleagues—representing former service members and reservists—about their military experiences, the philosophies they live by, and their perspectives on how we can better support our veterans.

    What was the biggest lesson serving in the military taught you?

    David Song, U.S. Marine Corps (2000–2004), Los Angeles Project Finance and Public Finance Associate: No excuses. Mission accomplishment was ingrained in us from the beginning, and knowing that others relied on you made you fully appreciate the importance of getting your job done. As long as you don’t allow yourself to make excuses, you will find a way to get the mission accomplished. No excuses. 

    How has time in the military helped you in your current career?

    Armando Batastini, U.S. Navy (1989—1994), Providence Complex Commercial Disputes Partner: In several respects: keeping cool and calm under pressure; time management; and being direct and honest, while treating everyone with respect.

    Kevin Saunders, U.S. Marine Corps, Active Duty and Reserve (Enlisted: 1991–1997, Officer: 1998–Present), Rochester Complex Commercial Disputes Counsel: It is second nature to set goals while making sure your colleagues, practice group, etc. are doing well professionally and personally. A strong team can accomplish any task. One of my favorite Scriptures is Ecclesiastes 4:12 that embodies this principle: “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

    Conor McNamara, U.S. Army, Infantry (2010–2014), San Francisco Complex Commercial Disputes Associate: My time in the military has enabled me to function well in difficult situations, to operate effectively in teams, and to find solutions to challenging problems. It also instilled drive, discipline, and an unwillingness to quit, which have served me well.

    How can we support veterans in our communities?

    Armando Batastini: Internally, by having senior personnel help newer veterans transition into a civilian workforce; externally, by providing pro bono legal services that benefit veterans.

    David Song: I recently volunteered to be the firm’s liaison to the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP), which is a great organization that helps disabled veterans receive benefits they are entitled to as a result of their service to our country. I encourage my NP colleagues and those reading this to get involved and sign up for more information on veteran-related matters. The cases from NVLSP directly benefit those veterans you engage with and have a long-term, meaningful impact on their lives.

    Conor McNamara: Hire them. Many veterans have dealt with high risk and complex situations, have developed and led teams, have operated in difficult conditions under extreme stress, and have learned to rapidly adapt to changing situations. These skills are valuable, and recognizing that a military veteran will be able to learn on the job and succeed (despite an unconventional background) is important. For many veterans, convincing potential employers that their skills will translate can be challenging and giving them a chance not only benefits them, but will likely benefit the hiring organization as well.

    Meet NP

    Insights And Happenings

    • Press Release

      Nixon Peabody serves as bond counsel on social bonds, helping to reduce homelessness in the City of Los Angeles

      Sep 29, 2022
    The foregoing has been prepared for the general information of clients and friends of the firm. It is not meant to provide legal advice with respect to any specific matter and should not be acted upon without professional counsel. If you have any questions or require any further information regarding these or other related matters, please contact your regular Nixon Peabody LLP representative. This material may be considered advertising under certain rules of professional conduct.

    Subscribe to stay informed of the latest legal news, alerts, and business trends.Subscribe

    • People
    • Capabilities
    • Insights
    • About
    • Locations
    • Events
    • Careers
    • Alumni
    • Cookie Preferences
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Statement of Client Rights
    • Purchase Order Terms & Conditions
    • Nixon Peabody International LLC
    • PAL
    © 2025 Nixon Peabody. All rights reserved