Partner in Smalll, Specialized "Boutique" Litigation Firm

Name: SB

Major: History

Law School: Georgetown and U of Minn.

Description of your job: Partner in a small, specialized Minneapolis "boutique" litigation firm.

Do you have any advice for students who are considering going to the same law school you did? Law School is something you need to be strongly committed to‑ I would not recommend approaching it with the attitude that you will just "try" it and see what it is like. It is a major financial and lifestyle investment.

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? Developing strong analytical and writing skills. You cannot succeed in law (especially not litigation) unless you are able to communicate clearly and effectively in writing.

If you had a chance to go through law school all over again, is there anything you would do differently? Work less and study more. I would have avoided having a job during the school year (at least the 1L and 2L years), even if it meant borrowing more money.

Is being a lawyer what you expected it would be? Why or why not? My practice is different than what I expected, but in a positive way. Being a lawyer is better than being a law school student.

What is it like transitioning from being a law student to being a lawyer? Challenging. You have to accept that there will be a steep learning curve. Law school simply cannot prepare you for what being a practicing lawyer will actually be like ‑‑ it can only give you tools that you will need to learn to apply and to continue to develop over many years.

Is there anything students should know about the legal profession before they decide to commit their life to it? As with many professions, it is high stress. But it can also be very rewarding. It is not a committment that should be taken lightly or without intent to follow through.