Retired from a Trusts and Estates Department

Name: Russell B.

Major: English Consitutional History

Law School: University of Minnesota

Description of your job: Retired. Formerly Trusts and Estates dept.

Do you have any advice for students who are considering going to the same law school you did? Yes, in your four-year undergraduate studies, emphasize Accounting and History.

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? Yes, I took shorthand and typing.

If you had a chance to go through law school all over again, is there anything you would do differently? Yes, work in a law office before starting law school to see if you like it.

Is being a lawyer what you expected it would be? Why or why not? Yes, great satisfaction from helping people. If you are seeking high income, do something else.

What is it like transitioning from being a law student to being a lawyer? I was fortunate. I spent two years in the U.S. Navy trying cases for the government. This made an excellent transition from student to private practice.

Is there anything students should know about the legal profession before they decide to commit their life to it? Yes, if you like confrontational situations do something else! The bar association doesn't need more of those. Always different - never boring. Be sure you spend 10% of your time on pro bono and get some exercise even if it's just walking to work.

Do you have any final advice? Yes. Go to an excellent law school like U of M or Mitchell and if you can't get in, consider some other profession. The best is none too good.