This Veterans Day, Ball Janik LLP proudly recognizes the attorneys and staff in our firm who have served, and continue to serve, our country.
We are honored to recognize Michael Iles, an Associate in our Fort Lauderdale office, who honorably served four years on active duty in the United States Navy; Brian Ankeny, an Associate in our Orlando office, who served as a Captain in the United States Army’s Military Intelligence Corps within the 1st Armored Division; James D’Cruz, an Associate in our Orlando office and current Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps; Melanie Wise, a paralegal in our Orlando office, who served as a senior administrative specialist for the U.S. Army for eight years; and Michael Brown, our Office Services Lead, who served as a combat veteran.
Their service reflects qualities that strengthen our firm and the work we do for clients: discipline, accountability, teamwork, sound judgment, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. James also brings his legal experience to international military partner instruction on international law and the law of armed conflict through his service with the 13th Legal Operations Detachment.
“We are honored to recognize the service, sacrifice, and leadership of those who have worn and continue to wear the uniform,” said James C. Prichard, Managing Partner of Ball Janik LLP. “We are grateful to our veterans for their commitment to our country and proud of the perspective, integrity, and dedication they bring to our clients and our firm every day.”
In the Q&A below, Michael I., Melanie, and Michael B. share reflections on their service, the lessons that continue to guide them, and what Veterans Day means to them personally and professionally.
Michael Iles, Associate
How has your military service influenced the way you approach your life and legal practice?
My Navy service taught me the importance of perspective: the work I am trusted to do matters to people I may never meet, and it concerns one of the most important parts of their lives – the place they call home. Keeping that in mind gives me a strong sense of ownership and responsibility to advocate zealously on their behalf. That perspective also means recognizing the need for balance, because legal work and the frustrations of challenging insurance companies’ positions can be mentally taxing. Taking time to recharge helps me sustain the focus, judgment, and determination my clients deserve.
What is one lesson from your military experience that still guides your work?
Learn beyond your assigned role. Understand the jobs and absorb the knowledge that affects your work, stay curious about the next level of responsibility, and be ready to step into it when appropriate. At the same time, stay proficient in the tasks you delegate so you can help, teach, and step in when needed. That lesson still guides me: prepare yourself for the next level while training others to take your place.
What does Veterans Day mean to you, personally or professionally?
I treat Veterans Day as an opportunity to reflect on my time in the service, appreciate the people I served alongside, and consider how those experiences shaped who I am. It also reminds me how varied veterans’ experiences are and how much of what they and their families carry may never come up in everyday conversation. I think about the pride and frustrations alike, and the enduring value of ideals like rewarding ability, welcoming good ideas regardless of their source, and working to make things better for everyone. Above all, it is a day to appreciate the people behind the service and the sacrifices they and their families have made.
Melanie Wise, Paralegal
How has your military service influenced the way you approach your legal practice and serve clients?
“Duty, Honor, Country” is the Motto that was drilled into our heads when I joined the military. I continue to use this motto every day in my work as a Paralegal. I have a duty to our clients and to Ball Janik to do the best Job I can for them, and to do that job with the utmost integrity and professionalism.
What is one lesson from your military experience that continues to guide you as a paralegal?
Discipline. Everything I do in my everyday life and work, I always abide by the rules and complete each task with unwavering commitment, no matter the challenge. I believe success is built on consistent execution, reliability, and continuous self-improvement.
What does Veterans Day mean to you, personally or professionally?
For me, both personally and professionally, it’s a day to honor and appreciate those soldiers living today who sacrificed their freedoms to protect ours.
Michael Brown, Office Services Lead
How has your military service influenced the way you approach your legal practice and serve clients?
Being that I am a combat veteran, my military service taught me to cherish life, because the next second of life is not guaranteed. It also taught me to value family and friends, because without them supporting us through our journeys, we probably wouldn’t have made it through! After combat, things that tend to worry most folks make me smile and make me appreciate the fact that I am still here. It was an honor to serve this Nation!
To Michael I., Brian, James, Melanie, Michael B., and veterans everywhere, thank you for your service and its impact on our firm, communities, and nation.