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When Is a JD NOT Preferred?
By Diana LaMorie • December 05, 2018 •Writers in Residence, Careers, Other Career Issues, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
I've been extolling the virtues of alternative legal careers for the past 10 months, so it's about time I introduce a contrarian element. My goal with the 'JD Preferred' theme of this blog is not to gloss over the hardships for folks who are facing six-figure debts and limited job prospects. What I am advocating, in all cases, is a deliberate approach. So whether I am reaching you in anticipation of enrolling in law school or in the throes of a post-JD career transition, allow me to share some thoughts on when touting your JD will not get you what…
What To Do When Your School Can’t Help You Get a Policy Job
By Kate Miceli • December 04, 2018 •Careers, Politics and Government, Other Career Issues, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
In law school, I had an amazing party trick. The first month of school everyone was asking the three standard questions. “What’s your name?” “Where are you from?” And finally, “what do you want to practice?” The first two elicited pretty typical responses. But, the third was my astounding trick. Instead of saying I wanted to be a prosecutor or a civil litigator, I said I wanted to work in policy. Brows furrowed. Jaws dropped. Panic flickered in their eyes. They could not understand why someone would suffer the three-year torture of law school to never see the inside of…
6 Great Jobs For Up And Coming Lawyers
By Dennis Hung • December 03, 2018 •Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
Any recent law graduate will readily attest to the time, effort, and commitment that was necessary to reach their goal. Many new members of the bar knew exactly what type of lawyer they would be upon entering law school. For others, the options for lawyers are so plentiful they may try different routes before finally settling on the one they like best. In any event, the up and coming lawyer has many job routes from which to choose. Immigration Lawyer Lawyers that deal with immigration issues guide individuals, families, and business owners through the complex maze of immigration law.…
5 Things To Know About Real Estate Law
By Dennis Hung • November 12, 2018 •Careers, Politics and Government, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
If you are a real estate investor, then you should know about the law that dictates the field where you are placing your money. After all, you want to protect and grow your nest egg, not put it at risk. If you don't understand the basics, then you could be put in a situation where your finances are risking catastrophe before you even know it. So here are 5 things you should understand: Residential Rights If you own rental property, then you should know that your tenants have certain rights that might not be obvious at first. Of course,…
An Interview with Small Business Owner and Real Estate Side Hustler, Marni Blank
By Diana LaMorie • October 28, 2018 •Writers in Residence, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
I’ve devoted the past few months to various thought pieces on career planning for non-practicing JDs and even put together a quiz to figure out the best ‘JD Preferred’ path for you. Now it’s time to get back into the swing of things by interviewing real people with real jobs. When I first started this blog, I didn’t realize what The Ultimate JD Preferred Job would be (or if there is such a thing). But after conducting this month’s interview it dawned on me – and seems obvious even in hindsight – that being a small business owner is the ultimate JD Preferred…
Discovering What Kind of Law Practices You Are Passionate About
By Dennis Hung • October 11, 2018 •Careers, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
When a new lawyer takes their first job after passing the bar exam, they're happy to be working in their profession. The reality is most lawyers don’t stay with their first firm or continue to practice in the same area of law. It could be a challenge to change an area of legal practice, but it can be done. When a lawyer finds an area of the law that makes them feel passion, it could be motivation to make this switch. Legal Culture It is possible for many attorneys to internalize what the legal culture has given them and never…
JD Preferred Career Quiz
By Diana LaMorie • October 02, 2018 •Writers in Residence, Careers, Other Career Issues, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
You know those quizzes in glossy magazines that promise to evaluate your personality and offer a tailored solution to any given problem according to your responses? Well, this month I've created my very own 'JD Preferred Quiz' to help jumpstart your thinking on which career path suits you best in using your JD degree in a non-traditional way. Whether you are still in law school but re-thinking the law firm path, or are a post-graduate lawyer thinking of doing something different with your law degree, this quiz can help narrow your frame of reference among the myriad options. Ideally, your…
Friend or Foe? Technology in Our Everyday Lives: Fintech
By Keisha M. McClellan • September 30, 2018 •Writers in Residence, Careers, Firms and the Private Sector, Other Career Issues, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job, Internships and Clerkships
“Every technological revolution takes about 50 years.” Jack Ma, Co-founder of the Alibaba Group In the case of the Fintech revolution that is upending business models and competition in financial services, it is being digitized, streamed, podcasted and mobile-accessed now. It is a revolution that is taking place today as opposed to in the future. As Forbes Magazine’s Daniel Newman warns us, “If you have not heard about the Fintech revolution that is happening right now, you need to get out from under your rock.” Fintech, the fusion of finance and technology, is here with all of the subtlety and…
First Generation Success Story: My First Legal Job and Opportunities
By Shirlene Armstrong • September 24, 2018 •Writers in Residence, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
Getting into law school and making it through the school year is one side of the life of a law student. However, the legal journey does not end when the casebook closes and summer begins. Instead, you take on legal jobs, opportunities, and attend events to support your legal education. If you are like me, I have taken on way too much and am constantly bobbing in and out different meetings, jobs, and activities. In law school, your down time is dedicated to studying, living, and breathing the law. Typically, during the summer, law students…