How great would it be to ask a practicing lawyer that difficult, maybe even intensely personal, question you have been struggling with and perhaps afraid to actually ask?
Hardly a day goes by without the subject of gay marriage hitting the news for one reason or another, reflecting a flurry of activity in state legislatures, the courts, and among activist organizations. In recent weeks alone, state legislatures have passed gay marriage laws, opponents have called for referenda, courts have issued rulings, and opinion polls have been released seeming to show increased support for gays and lesbians who want the legal definition of marriage to apply to their committed relationships.
Getting a job offer feels fantastic. Deciding whether to accept it doesn’t always produce the same euphoria. Your legal training has taught you to assess situations from every angle, to analyze, to overanalyze, and to respond to questions with “probably yes” and “likely no” rather than definitive yesses and nos. So a job offer for permanent employment—while welcome—can generate a whole bunch of “what ifs” and uncertainties for legal minds to painstakingly evaluate.
The academic traits used to achieve good grades translate directly into professional traits needed in the workplace. Whether you are a summer associate or new employee waiting for bar results, you want to gain a reputation for professionalism from the first day on your job. This article discusses some of the successful academic traits to carry over into your summer employment.
“It’s not what you said,” as your parents warned you. “It’s the way you said it.” We learn at an early age that our manner of speech—not just its substance—can be objectionable. When it comes to job interviews, it can be fatal.
LaVonne Idlette is always on the run—and not just because she’s an Olympic trackster.
Take the time to learn your craft and do good work.
Getting serious about science, your academic support office, and cover letters.
While a student at Harvard Law School, Michael Fertik figured he would “probably practice law for some time,” but didn’t know if he’d do it forever. To that end, he recalls, “I was lining myself up to practice appellate law.”
We sometimes experience sadness as the sun sets on a beautiful day, but we are relieved to know it will rise again in the morning. Writing this is bittersweet because it is my last Officially Speaking column as the chair of the Law Student Division.