Kolby offers a truly unique and powerful combination of legal acumen, educational expertise, and entrepreneurial drive. The first time he paused his professional career was to pursue global service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mozambique, where he developed curriculum and trained primary school teachers. After graduating law school, he gained extensive experience in "big firm" civil litigation at Dickinson Wright/Mariscal Weeks on complex commercial civil litigation matters. Subsequently, he transitioned to focused individual indigent criminal defense at Granville Law, PLLC, where he is currently employed.
Additionally, Kolby’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through as the Founder of After Dinner Conversation, an award-winning nonprofit literary magazine serving over 150,000 readers monthly. He has also founded multiple other successful ventures, including a cross-platform app for civic reporting (Really Simple Reporting, LLC), a uniquely branded escape room (Escape Narrative, LLC) that was recognized as Phoenix New Times’ “Best of” 2019, and a patented athletic apparel line worn by top Ironman athletes (Tempe Ice Apparel, LLC). He was also an e-learning developer for various Fortune 500 Companies and a corporate trainer for Aetna Financial Services. Kolby’s public service also includes seven years on the Tempe City Council, where he oversaw budgets, set departmental priorities, and focused on infrastructure, neighborhoods, sustainability, and equal rights.
A hallmark of Kolby's career is his passion for nurturing talent and guiding others through complex pathways. While in law school, he reviewed law school applications, and as an attorney, he has actively interviewed candidates for potential employment on behalf of the firm. Over the years, he has mentored hundreds of people. This hands-on experience provides him with invaluable insight into what makes an individual's profile compelling to top law schools.
Kolby’s extensive background in education, law, and business, coupled with his strong writing focus—evidenced by his literary magazine and various columns—enables him to deeply understand how to best position applicants’ unique strengths and aspirations. As a coach, he brings a structured and goal-oriented approach, helping students navigate each stage of the application process with clear plans and practical steps. His hands-on style means he guides students through brainstorming, drafting, and refining their application materials, ensuring every detail is thoughtful and intentional.
An avid runner, two-time Ironman finisher, and international traveler to over 55 countries, Kolby brings a disciplined, adventurous, and global perspective to every endeavor.
