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The Real Benefits of Professional Networks
By Ingrid Evans • January 16, 2020 •Careers, Firms and the Private Sector
Networking tends to be an over-worked cliché in many professions, and perhaps most of all in ours. But the truth is that strong professional networks are a real blessing for lawyers, especially lawyers in small firms or solo practices. Referrals, introductions and leads come to mind first when anyone mentions networking. That’s not surprising; referrals, introductions and leads are important gateways to new business. But new business opportunities are not the only silver lining to networking. In my experience, the greatest benefit of professional networking has been in sharing and gathering law, information, and litigation practice tips. Choosing Strong Professional…
An In-House Counsel’s Maxims for 2020
By Jenny Patten • December 31, 2019 •Ms. JD, Writers in Residence, Careers, Other Career Issues
As I prepared for my last column as a Writer in Residence for Ms. JD, I decided to conclude with something that reflects my own personal approach to my in-house practice. Although I’m not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions, every December I jot down some guiding principles that I use to refine my mid- and long-term professional and career goals. Below are four maxims I’m taking with me into my in-house practice for 2020: Fight the Inertia. Inertia is, by definition, a tendency to remain at rest or remain unchanged. With any new initiative or project that you…
Something Blue: Bringing Blue-Collar Roots to the Legal Profession - Collective Wisdom of 2019
By Molly Timko • December 30, 2019 •Ms. JD, Writers in Residence, Careers, Law School
As a 2019 Ms. JD Writer in Residence, I had the privilege of interviewing some truly inspirational first-generation lawyers/lawyers with blue-collar roots. I learned about their unique paths to law school and the legal profession, and the challenges associated with becoming the first person in their family (or possibly in their community) to become a lawyer. These women also shared some great advice, which I compiled below. It is my hope that first-generation attorneys will continue to share their stories and mentor and support other trailblazers who are climbing up the ladder. Collective Wisdom of 2019: You Can Do It! “You deserve to be where you…
Types of Lawyers: Deciding What Type Of Lawyer Will You Be.
By Katherine Hernandez • December 12, 2019 •Careers, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job, Issues, Other Issues
It's your first day at law school, you have a lot in mind but your pure goal is to become a successful lawyer. Law aspirants and even established lawyers may struggle to decide what area of law they want to be an expert with. Going to law schools may spark your thoughts that you will eventually work in renown and large firms practicing corporate law but the truth is that may not happen and you might be directed to another path. We need to remember that all areas of the law are important and it comes handy in different situations. Whether you…
Bringing Blue-Collar Roots to the Legal Profession - An Interview with Jennifer Frankola Crawford
By Molly Timko • December 02, 2019 •Ms. JD, Writers in Residence, Careers, Other Career Issues, Law School, Internships and Clerkships, Issues, Mentoring and Networking
For this month's post, I am thrilled to feature my fellow CUNY Law alum, Jennifer Frankola Crawford. Jennifer is an experienced attorney, arbitrator, and human rights advocate with blue-collar/working-class roots. As an arbitrator, Jennifer hears cases and renders decisions based upon New York State’s Insurance Law. In addition, Jennifer maintains an active practice in education law, representing families of children with learning disabilities and developmental delays. Further, Jennifer engages in pro bono work involving human rights issues, including handling immigration/deportation cases, and she collaborates with other lawyers to design and host CLEs. In this interview, Jennifer describes how her family's history, including her parents' immigration to the United States, influenced her career trajectory. She also offers excellent advice to first-generation…
We are the phanthoms . we are not supposed to be here
By ilise feitshans • December 01, 2019 •Ms. JD, Conference, Careers, Legal Academia, Nonprofits and the Public Interest, Politics and Government, Issues, Sexism, Sexual Harassment, and Other Forms of Discrimination, •Features, Superwomen JDs and What You Can Learn From Them
We are the phanthoms.we are not supposed to be here by Dr ilise L Feitshans JD and ScM and DIR In the middle of the spring semester of second year law school when students have often successfully adjusted to the rigors of a difficult almost military austerity and discipline regime one professor chose to rattle the box of security his students had constructed so very carefully I don't know why I am here teaching constitutional law professor Roy Schotland proclaimed in his squeaky unsettling voice. None of you are going to argue before the Supreme Court The year was…
You’ve landed the in-house job, now what?
By Jenny Patten • November 30, 2019 •Ms. JD, Writers in Residence, Careers, Other Career Issues
Landing a new in-house position can come with an initial feeling of exhilaration, but the change associated with moving to a new company, or moving in-house for the first time, can feel daunting and intimidating. I’ve moved to a few different in-house departments over my decade of practice, and while each organization has been different, I’ve learned a few core maxims that help set myself up for long term success. 1. Expect the unexpected. No matter how much research you’ve done on the company or the industry, or how many people you interviewed with prior to accepting the position, you…
The best career advice I’ve ever received
By Katalin Tarjan • November 22, 2019 •Careers, Other Career Issues, Issues, Other Issues
I recently heard someone say that the three things they were looking for in a job was to feel maximized, compensated and appreciated. Thinking about it, I found this very true for myself and you might as well too. Knowing what your expectations are about a job is crucial to be able to find the right fit for you. Also, when you start feeling unsatisfied, this way you can identify the reasons and even do something about it. These three areas seem to cover our basic needs when it comes to professional goals. Maximized means you want all your knowledge…
What Women-Owned Firms Do Differently
By Amy Nouri • November 21, 2019 •Careers
Women-owned firms are modernizing office culture to better align with their needs and values. Citing an ABA study on the differences in levels of career satisfaction between men and women lawyers, this Law Practice Today article outlines common actions taken by women who started their own firms. What are women lawyers doing differently when they design their own workplace? These firms are: Prioritizing collaboration and cooperative teamwork. According to the article these women leaders also “pay more attention to the well-being and development of their subordinates.” Creating cultures conducive to the demands of women’s personal lives. By offering perks including flextime, relaxed dress codes and…