From Army Boots to Law Books

Paul’s Unconventional Path to Legal Success

When Paul Mercaldi first donned his Army uniform, he was fulfilling a lifelong dream of military service, never imagining that an unexpected injury would redirect his life's course. Forced to retire from the military, Paul reluctantly enrolled in college, only to discover an unexpected passion for academic pursuit that transformed his perspective. This newfound enthusiasm for learning eventually led him to law school when a family member suggested he could contribute to their established practice. Bringing the same discipline and dedication that defined his military career, Paul thrived in the legal environment, combining his unique background with fresh legal knowledge to achieve remarkable success. His journey from soldier to standout law student demonstrates how life's detours can sometimes lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Why did you decide to go to law school? Did you take a typical path or are you considered a non-traditional law student?
I would say I’m not the most typical law student. I always wanted to be a soldier. At 20, I joined the Infantry in the U.S. Army. I loved being a soldier; it was everything I dreamed of. Unfortunately, an injury while serving in Afghanistan brought that career to a halt. After being medically retired, I had to transition to civilian life, which was especially challenging coming from the infantry.

Once I got my footing, I went back to school and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from LIU Post. From there, I continued my education and found myself enjoying school more than I had expected. I never thought of myself as a scholar, but it started to feel right. Becoming a lawyer somewhat fell into place when my uncle, Robert Mercaldi (the only other attorney in my family) needed help with his private practice. That’s when I decided to go to law school.

What did you find most surprising during your law school journey?
I knew the workload would be intense, but I never imagined I’d read that much material in my life. In the end, though, it was a good thing; it built my ability to read and focus for hours at a time without pause.

What did you like the most about your time at Touro Law?
I made some great friends and built strong connections with practicing attorneys. One of the best parts about Touro is how connected it is to the local legal community, especially in Suffolk County. Those relationships are vital for a new attorney starting out.

Do you think your military background helped you succeed in law school?
My time in the Army undoubtedly helped me succeed in law school because it instilled discipline and integrity. I was often reminded of these principles after hours of studying when I had to dig deep and keep pushing myself to learn the material despite being exhausted. The infantry teaches you how to stay focused, handle pressure, and keep pushing even when times get tough. I have learned not take life too seriously and find humor in even the worst situations which has helped me stay grounded both in my personal and professional life.

Did you have any teachers or mentors that stand out? Why?
Professor Kramer stands out. I’ve taken several of her classes and found them to be incredibly practical and real-world focused. She doesn’t sugarcoat anything and provides honest, constructive criticism, which I think is one of the best ways to learn.

Are you the first in your family to attend law school?
I’m the first in my immediate family to attend college at all. My Uncle Robert is the only other attorney in our extended family.

What are your plans after graduation (and are they the same plans you had when you started, or have you changed course)?
My plan has always been to earn my law degree and practice with my Uncle Robert. One thing that did evolve, though, was the area of law I became passionate about. I started out fascinated by criminal law, but over time I discovered a deep interest in family law. Now, my dream is to serve the community in Family Court, particularly as an Attorney for the Child (AFC).

What are you most looking forward to about being a lawyer?
Law gives you the ability to do a lot at once, serve your community, support your family, and build a meaningful career. I’m looking forward to achieving all in a fulfilling and prosperous way.

What advice would you give to someone considering law school?
Be ready to spend a lot of time studying, especially in the library. Focus on your work, but don’t lose sight of your well-being. Take care of yourself: eat well, exercise, and stay grounded. One thing I wish I had done better was balancing my health with my studies. Taking care of yourself will actually help you perform better in school and in life.

No matter what your goal is in life, never give up. You can always push forward. Set goals, find your passion, and pursue it fully. Don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on building the best version of yourself.