TAX M&A ATTORNEY TURNED FIREFIGHTER GARY MANDEL ’94 MAKES A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE

Along with firefighting, Mandel serves as president of the Wilton Firefighters Local 2233 Union. It’s a very full professional plate, but Mandel has an affinity for hard work. He had a finance degree from Brooklyn College, an MBA from Pace, and a full-time job when he enrolled in the former evening program at St. John’s Law. “I commuted to the Law School most days for classes that started at 6 p.m. and ended at 10 p.m.,” he says. “I couldn’t wait to get to campus. There was always a bright, positive, classroom environment and everyone was excited about learning the law.”

After graduating from St. John’s, Mandel clerked in the U.S. Tax Court in Washington, D.C. and, later, earned an LL.M. in Tax Law at night. Today, in addition to his firefighter and union leader duties, he works as an M&A consultant and teaches law as an adjunct professor. Family time is also a priority. “I have two wonderful, adult daughters who make me proud every single day and, along with their mom, we have a tremendous family bond,” he says. “I also have a special woman in my life who I’m very thankful for—she brings love, support, and understanding to all I do.”

Life’s pieces fit together seamlessly for Mandel, as he continues to serve the greater good from his Wilton firehouse. “I’m very fortunate,” he says. “I go to work feeling I’ll be helping someone, possibly on the worst day of their life. I appreciate knowing that I’m making a positive difference in my community every single day.”