She graduated from Catholic University in 1993 with a B.A. in finance and from Duke Law School in 1996. She also earned her LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law in 1997. While in law school she volunteered for the Domestic Violence Advocacy Project and was an Articles Editor for the Duke Journal of Gender Law & Policy. Her pro bono work as an attorney includes aiding families of victims of 9/11, assisting HIV positive individuals prepare their wills and health care proxies, and working with charitable organizations in securing their tax exempt status.