About This Episode
Guest Alexandra Graves tells her story, and it’s unreal. Bad things happen to good people. She was experiencing headaches and vision issues as a 2L and discovered she had a brain tumor. She needed neurosurgery and had to withdraw from classes. Then she started over.
If you hit obstacles, and you will, you can overcome them. Life can throw you for a loop. You can fight back. You are not alone.
Graves’ story is an inspiring tale of pursuing dreams, no matter what. She took a step back and went back to law school. But while studying for the bar, her brain tumor came back, and she failed the exam. Anyone can fail because of medical issues or other distractions. Failing the bar, for whatever reason, hurts. But it’s not the end of the world, and you can regroup and pass if you don’t give up.
Through it all, Graves learned what’s important to her. She set her priorities (she loves spending life with her animals, especially her new baby donkey, and being close to her family). Do what you love and love what you do. Don’t sweat the small stuff (or even some of the big stuff). You got this.
Plus, an update on some big legal rulings: Andy Warhol, Prince, Fair Use, NIL rules (College athletes), and more.
Sponsors
Special thanks to our sponsors, Embroker and Clio.
Additional Resources
- Pushing Yourself Too Hard? Your Health and Wellness Matters
Richard Rivera, a partner at Smith, Gambrell & Russell, was a fourth-year associate when he noticed itchy and yellowing skin, fatigue, and sleepless nights. A doctor eventually found that the constant stress had taken an enormous toll on his body. - 10 Ways Successful Lawyers Respond to Career Setbacks
Learning to overcome failures, recognize obstacles, moderate emotions, and bounce back from difficulties is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence and resiliency. - How Lawyers Can Manage Stress and Cortisol Levels
Understanding what happens medically when we don't manage our stress is key to understanding why we feel so rotten and unhealthy. - Practicing Law as an Attorney with a Disability: The Hill Was Not Too Steep to Climb
The author relates her journey during law school and as a practicing lawyer with a disability. Fighting for accommodations and utilizing assistive technology have helped her surmount the “hills” she’s encountered. - ABA Young Lawyers Division
The ABA YLD is committed to representing the newest members of the profession, reflecting the society it serves, and providing young lawyers and young lawyer organizations with the tools and opportunities for professional and personal success.
