ABA YLD

Before You Practice:  Finding Out What Lawyers Do
By: Rusty O’Kane

If you are anything like me, a regular question you get asked by college or law students is: “What type of law do you practice?” My answer almost always depends on the audience, but it happened recently and got me thinking.

I often say, “commercial litigation,” but I don’t think I even really know what that means, so how in the world could a law student or new graduate understand. Or even worse, a potential client. I also have a limited understanding of what corporate/transactional lawyers do on a regular basis. My law firm—Wick Phillips—recently started having regular meetings with all the attorneys in our office where we discuss what our practices involve. It has been a good way to connect with the other attorneys at the firm, but it also highlights the strengths that we collectively bring to the profession. During those meetings, a select group of attorneys discuss matters they’re working on and what those matters involve, which lets everyone know a little more about areas with which we may not be very familiar.

Fortunately, you do not have to work at Wick Phillips to benefit from understanding what lawyers do. During the 2015-2016 bar year, the ABA Young Lawyers Division is partnering with the Texas Young Lawyers Association to expand its initiative “What Do Lawyers Do” into a national resource.

“What Do Lawyers Do?” is an interactive, Web-based program designed to educate high school and college students about how to become a lawyer. The project focuses on preparation for law school, the law school experience, and different career paths for law school graduates. Among its many goals, the project seeks to encourage a discussion about the different aspects of a legal education and the seemingly endless options open to those interested in pursuing a legal education. Students will have a newfound understanding of the important roles that lawyers play in society, and that a legal education and a legal career are well within the reach of anyone willing to put in the time and effort to succeed.

In addition to the Web-based tool, the ABA/YLD is identifying opportunities at its conferences and throughout the country to bring the What Do Lawyers Do experience directly to local high school and college students via in-person events. The program is a great resource for students to understand the challenges and benefits of becoming a lawyer or practicing law.

If you’re interested in finding out more, volunteering to expand the initiative, or have questions, please contact Renee Lugo for more information. You can also access the TYLA page to find out more.