Why did you decide to earn a J.D.?
In my senior year of undergrad I learned to accept myself more – it took a while for me to be okay with the fact that I’m opinionated, not afraid of confrontation, and definitely a nerd. Once I learned to embrace those things, being a lawyer seemed like a good fit for who I am. My career now fits well with the facts that I like digging into details and forming opinions, I enjoy writing, asking questions, I like challenges, and I love the chance to meet lots of different people.
What was your experience like at UDSL?
I had a great experience. I made wonderful friends, learned a lot about myself and the law, and really appreciated the various opportunities that UDSL provides – externing, student organizations, the variety of topics in the (non-required) courses, as some examples.
How has the J.D. helped with your career and what are you doing now?
I’m an Assistant Attorney General at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office; I do defense litigation on behalf of the state. My J.D. is required, but the things I learned while getting my J.D. have helped me immensely. Specifically, the way I learned to ask questions and dive into difficult material until I really understand it, are skills I didn’t have before that I’m very grateful for now.
What advice would you give a future lawyer?
Try new things while you can! It’s much easier to take a class, intern, or work part time somewhere to learn about different careers paths or areas of the law now rather than when you’ve graduated. Even if you are confident which path you want to start on, push yourself outside your comfort zone; it will help you see things from new perspectives and give you skills you didn’t know you might be missing.