VP Government Affairs and Chief Compliance Officer

Name: Tom Haider

Major: Econ and Pol Sci

Law School: U of MN

Description of your job: VP Govt Affairs and Chief Compliance Officer. In house counsel responsible for company's overall compliance program that entails compliance with state and federal laws, international laws, and corporate ethics program.

Do you have any advice for students who are considering to go to the same law school you did? Use study guides. You'll more quickly understand what the instructors are trying to teach. ‑‑‑ Also, on exams, don't just repeat what was said in class. In law school they want to see that you can think for yourself.

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 and was involved in politics.

If you had a chance to go through law school all over again, is there anything you would do differently? Use more study guides and spend less time reading cases.

Is being a lawyer what you expected it would be? Why or why not? I have a very non‑traditional practice, but I realized after clerking that I did not want to work in a firm.

What is it like transitioning from being a law student to being a lawyer? You may be a "lawyer" after you're admitted, but you still don't know anything of value to clients. It takes time to really get an appreciation for what your area of practice is all about. Just being smart is not enough.

Is there anything students should know about the legal profession before they decide to commit their life to it? See above. Also, stop scaring students that they're "committing their life" to something. If they don't like what they're doing the degree will open up lots of other doors.

What does a typical day look like for you as a lawyer? Lots of e‑mails (80 to 100/day) from business people asking my advice on all kinds of issues. Similarly, a dozen calls or more asking for advice. Several meetings with business people and other lawyers discussing issues, helping with company strategies, etc.