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Job Title: Attorney
Type of Company: I work for a research university.
Education: BS, Animal Science, Cornell University •• MS, Applied Economics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities •• JD, Georgetown University Law Center
Previous Experience: I started as an economist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and attended law school while working there.
Job Tasks: I have been admitted to the bar in North Carolina and New York, but I don't currently practice law. I have practiced law in the past but prefer teaching. I teach courses in agricultural law and environmental law in the undergraduate program at my university, where I serve in the dual role of instructor in the undergraduate teaching program and as a subject matter expert for the university's extension service.
I have developed an extension education program to provide legal information to a wide variety of audiences on environmental, agricultural, and related issues. I am currently conducting research on legal issues involving farm business succession and land preservation. Protecting the agricultural resources of North Carolina is a passion of mine. I am a frequent presenter at many conferences and workshops. Last year I gave 46 public speeches. Obviously I love speaking. I am a member of Toastmasters, an organization dedicated to improving public speaking. I have received many awards for my work including an Outstanding Teacher last year. This is something like a life-time achievement award. Few university teachers ever receive it. I have also received many awards for my extension programs, including one national award. I love my work and really do not want to do anything else.
Best and Worst Parts of the Job: The best part of my job is teaching. I love watching students grow intellectually. I also love the programs that I give for adult learners. They are sometimes more motivated than the young adults who take our classes on campus.
Administrative duties such as preparing our budget are the worst parts of my job. I have worked as an administrator and won awards for that work; however, I would rather teach (even though the pay is lower).
Job Tips:
1.) Integrity is the most important characteristic of both a good attorney and a good teacher because without the respect of your clients and your students, respectively, you have nothing.
2.) To recognize the people's diversity is essential to being a good attorney and a good teacher because it is essential to recognize that people do not all approach problems in the same way.
3.) You must love reading to do what I do.
Additional Thoughts: You cannot be successful in what I do with loving the work. If you do not love what you do, days can be very long. Try an internship. Interview people who are doing what you think you want to do. You may be surprised. It is important to explore!
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