Alumni Spotlight

Caleigh Milton

Milton attended the seminar in 2003 as a representative from George Stevens Academy. She studied political science at University of Southern Maine and is now a criminal defense attorney. 

She took the time to answer some questions about her Maine Youth Leadership experience and how it has impacted her life. Keep reading to learn more about this outstanding alum.

How do you show the MYL pillar of volunteerism in your daily life? 

I have always been committed to community service. While I was in high school I was on the community service committee, in college I volunteered at Pine Tree Legal which provides free legal services to indigent Mainers, in law school I earned the pro bono services award for my commitment to community service and I am on the community service committee for my office. 

How do you show the MYL pillar of character in your daily life? 

People come to me when they are at a low point in their lives, often they have been treated as “less than” by virtue of being in the system and many have been abandoned by their friends and family. I treat everyone that I interact with, especially those accused of committing crimes with dignity and respect. It is so important to see one another as equal and human. 

How do you show the MYL pillar of leadership in your daily life?

I try to lead by example. I mentor younger attorneys and I teach classes on topics such as legal ethics. 

How would you say MYL impacted your trajectory in life? (the decisions you made, the things you did, etc.) 

I think it was the beginning of where I learned that it is ok to be myself. In high school there is so much pressure to be a certain way or look and act a certain way. MYL takes that pressure off. 

Did any MYL relationship help you along your way? (JC, SF, AC, fellow alum, etc.) and if so, how? 

All of my MYL relationships helped me to feel more comfortable and confident. They were like a support system. To this day I would be happy to hear from or help anyone from MYL and I think most people feel that way. 

What is the legacy you want to leave behind? 

Kindness 

What is your fondest memory from your MYL experience? 

Sitting in a big room after dinner just hanging out and listening to someone play Wonderwall on the guitar. 

What might someone be surprised to learn about you? 

I know more about sports than most people I know. I routinely win fantasy sports leagues and playoff brackets. Being able to make small talk about sports has helped me break the ice in so many conversations and tense situations. 

What gives you hope? 

Every day I get to see people trying their best to do better and be better. 

What gets you particularly fired up? 

Injustice. 

How does your MYL experience impact your everyday work?  

The emphasis on serving others, treating one another well and listening has helped me for strong relationships with clients and prosecutors.

If you are a Maine Youth Leadership alum and you’d like to share your story, please email Maria NeCastro at mariatnecastro@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading!

[Published online: 12/14/2020]