INTRODUCING JOHANNA PICKEL, ESQ.

With a background in special education, and teaching behavioral challenged students in the Bahamas, to serving as a JAG in the Air Force, one of our newer members, Johanna Pickel uses her diverse background to assist her clients in times of great transitions. Let’s get to know Johanna!

Prior to law school, I was a special education teacher with a Master degree in special education. I debated on receiving my PH.D. in education or going to law school. I thought law school would offer more opportunities. After law school, I was lured into the travel opportunities offered by being a JAG; so, I did not enter this field until after traveling the world as a JAG with the Air Force for seven years (including deploying with the Law and Order Task Force during the Iraq conflict in 2008). Then, I used my GI bill to get my LLM in Elder law and Estate Planning.

I view my position as a counselor more than anything, helping families and individuals navigate transitional times, aging, growing families, and disabilities.

My dad died during my first year of law school. The law school community embraced me and helped me thrive. I will always try to pay forward that kindness, and I seek other communities from whom to share and learn.

Before graduate school, I taught in alternative learning schools for behavioral challenged students both in the cold Montana mountains and in the warm turquoise waters of the Exumas in the Bahamas.

Camping with my family.