Gary Rubin grew up in Brooklyn and Queens, New York. He received his bachelor's and master’s degrees in English Literature from Hofstra University, as well as his PhD in Literature from SUNY Binghamton. He received a law degree from The Catholic University of America and has been a practicing attorney in D.C. for nearly 40 years. Concurrently, he served as an adjunct English professor in the evening program at George Mason University. Gary is also a mediator with the DC Superior Court and the D.C. Court of Appeals. He has a great appreciation for the importance of self-advocacy and negotiation skills and is excited to help individuals from underserved communities learn to be strong advocates and negotiate for effective, long-lasting solutions.