Civil Trial Attorney

Name: Russell S. Ponessa

Major: Political Science

Law School: University of Minnesota Law School

Description of your job: Civil trial attorney

Do you have any advice for students who are considering going to the same law school you did?

Work for a firm during school

Is there anything in particular that you did during your undergrad that benefited you more than anything else in getting through law school and/or transitioning into the legal profession? Worked.

If you had a chance to go through law school all over again, is there anything you would do differently? No.

Is being a lawyer what you expected it would be? Why or why not? Yes, it is hard yet rewarding.

What is it like transitioning from being a law student to being a lawyer? The hardest adjustment was being in the same place all day.

Is there anything students should know about the legal profession before they decide to commit their life to it? It is hard, stressful, and sometimes disappointing given the public's negative view of lawyers.

What does a typical day look like for you as a lawyer? Analyze cases, write lettters, prepare pleadings and motions, prepare for and conduct litigation activities, advise clients.

Do you have any final advice? You have to be sure this is what you want to do.