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Ms. Pre-JD: Interview with NY AAG Kristen Vogel
By Nikki Datta • August 02, 2017 •Writers in Residence, Careers, Firms and the Private Sector, Nonprofits and the Public Interest, Law School, Pre-Law, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
This past Spring and Summer, during my internship in the Attorney General’s Litigation Bureau, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Vogel served as a model for the approach I hope to bring to my professional life. My primary lesson from her about soft skills as a female professional was an unspoken one: there is a delicate balance that should come naturally. Kristen always spoke her mind, but made it clear that her opinions were unbiased. She dealt with everyone in the same way, had patience, and stated otherwise negative things in a matter of fact way. While I may have been afraid…
Failure Turned Inside Out: The Not So Gentle Ladies of the United States Congress
By Patricia Jjemba • July 31, 2017 •Writers in Residence, Careers, Nonprofits and the Public Interest, Politics and Government, Other Career Issues, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job, Issues, •Balancing Private and Professional Life, Mentoring and Networking, Women and Law in the Media, Other Issues
The women that serve daily on behalf of the American people are fierce trailblazers in their own right. As a means to seemingly promote gender equality, there is a new term that has been floating around the United States Congress. You see, as of late congressional members have been referring to their female House representatives and Senate members as “gentle-ladies.” (Example: The gentle lady from California will now address the House.) Now whatever your personal opinion is on the alluring appeal (or lack there of) of the term itself, there is one thing I think that we can all come…
To be a More Zealous Advocate, See Yourself in Your Clients
By Madhavi Seth • July 17, 2017 •Careers, Nonprofits and the Public Interest, Other Career Issues, Law School, Internships and Clerkships, Issues, Other Issues
I have been blessed to have my parents, siblings, teachers, and friends as my lifelong advocates. These people have helped shape my beliefs through good conversation and have shown me how important it is to approach all challenges with optimism and grace. However, the attorney who enabled my family to immigrate to the United States from India was also my advocate. Without his work, I would not have had the opportunity to grow personally and professionally here. His advocacy inspired me to become an attorney and pursue externship experiences which would enable me to use my skills to serve and…
Summer & A Sigh of Relief
By Jacqueline Leung • July 05, 2017 •Writers in Residence, Careers, Nonprofits and the Public Interest, Other Career Issues, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job, Issues, Balancing Private and Professional Life
The past month and a half has been a difficult time for me. We have had illnesses (my children, my partner, and I), sadness, stress, and transition difficulties. In addition, the number of work hours from my current job dropped, and I am working less than part-time. After several agonizing weeks, and consultation with several individuals, I made an important, yet difficult decision to postpone taking the bar. It came down to finances and personal health issues impacting my family and I -- I chose my family. The decision was not easy to make. I still feel slightly disappointed. Yet,…
Ms. JD Pre-Law: “Table of Contents”
By Genevieve Antono • July 02, 2017 •Ms. JD, Conference, Writers in Residence, Careers, Firms and the Private Sector, Legal Academia, Nonprofits and the Public Interest, Politics and Government, •Other Career Issues, Law School, Pre-Law, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job, Curriculum and Classroom Dynamics, Internships and Clerkships, Other Law School Issues, Issues, •Mentoring and Networking
Are you a pre-law student or professional? Read this post first! Hello and welcome to Ms. JD Pre-Law! Our goal is to serve as a resource to, and build a supportive community of, pre-law women around the country. Whether you're a college freshman just starting to develop an interest in the legal profession, or if you already know that you're going to law school this Fall—we have something for you! In addition to organizing in-person events, we also regularly post interviews and other articles on the wider Ms. JD blog. The list below serves as a helpful index to many…
How to Define Your Personal Brand
By Linda Tancs • May 16, 2017 •Careers, Firms and the Private Sector, Nonprofits and the Public Interest, Politics and Government, Other Career Issues
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you are undoubtedly aware of how trendy the concept “personal branding” has become. And there are as many definitions of the term “as Carter’s has pills” (to borrow one of grandfather’s favorite expressions). So what exactly does it mean to have a personal brand? Simply put, personal branding is the story of you. Think of it as a journalistic dive into your own who, what, when, where and how. First, name the qualities that are distinct to you as an individual. That’s your who. Are you intellectually curious, uncompromising, articulate, flexible? How do…
Tips for Developing a Successful Career from Women Who Have Done It
By Lisa B. Horowitz • May 13, 2017 •Careers, Firms and the Private Sector, Legal Academia, Nonprofits and the Public Interest, Politics and Government
An upcoming article by three women lawyers--the Chief Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the former CEO of the D.C. Bar and a law partner who chairs the D.C. Pro Bono Committee--set forth 8 valuable tips for pursuing and advancing a successful and meaningful career. These remarkable women highlight the importance of harnessing your passion, getting the credit you deserve, taking charge of your professional development and building strong relationships inside and outside your organization. Take a moment to review the article and then reflect upon how you can take action and incorporate their advice into your own…
Ms.JD: Stronger Together
By Cindy Gerges • March 29, 2017 •Careers, Nonprofits and the Public Interest
"Ms. JD is focused this year on how we can all be Stronger Together. What does being Stronger Together mean to you in the public interest context? What does it mean for your public interest pursuits?" In a speech, former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton explained that, “[w]e are stronger together, in facing our internal challenges and our external ones.” For me, in the public interest context, this means breaking down barriers which prevent marginalized groups and minority communities from succeeding— pushing for criminal justice reform, ensuring that small businesses thrive, tackling homelessness, mental health, and domestic violence—while building communities that work for everyone…
Pre-Law Opportunity: Internship with the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY)
By Gregory Antono • March 14, 2017 •Ms. JD, Careers, Nonprofits and the Public Interest, Law School, Pre-Law, Internships and Clerkships
Hi Ms. JD Pre-Law! Do check out this summer internship opportunity with the Asian American Bar Association of New York: What? The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) represents the interests of New York Asian-American attorneys, judges, law professors, legal professionals, legal assistants or paralegals and law students. Its mission is to improve the study and practice of law, and the fair administration of justice for all by ensuring the meaningful participation of Asian-Americans in the legal profession. AABANY’s Legal Internship Program supports Asian-American students, law clerks and lawyers interested in the legal profession to develop a commitment to advocacy…