Lessons from the Bench

Printer-friendly version

Judge Ronald A. Wilson is the Chief Magistrate of the South Tucson City Court in Tucson, Arizona. A public interest champion committed to helping guide the next generation of impassioned young lawyers, Judge Wilson welcomed three Summer Corps members to join him at a Continued Legal Education clinic to discuss how the economic climate is affecting defendants in the courtroom as petty misdemeanors and quality-of-life crimes are on the rise with the country’s “new poor.”  In addition to allowing students to attend this valuable seminar, Judge Wilson shares some helpful insight for law students everywhere as they embark on their legal careers.  

• Write at least one article for a newspaper or journal focused on an area of law that interests you.  By writing an article on an issue that interests you, not only will your passion for that topic, and the law, shine through, but you will also start building your expertise in that area for future professional opportunities.

• Develop meaningful professional relationships.  Begin a lasting relationship with at least two of your law or undergraduate professors – they will serve as mentors and resources as you enter your career. Become an active member in the American Bar Association to build your networking skills and expand professional connections, especially within the area you hope to practice.  To further strengthen connections that can help launch your career, attend law school in the state or city in which you wish to work.  If this is not possible, take an internship in the city to establish professional relationships that can lead to future employment opportunities.

• Ensure that public aspects of your life are professional.  Clean up your Facebook page, social media and voicemail greetings – present a professional manner in all aspects of your public persona.  Likewise, set Facebook privacy settings and be conscious of who you are “friend-ing” and what they are able to see on your profile.  In addition to social media, set up a professional email account for applying to jobs and get business cards for networking opportunities.

• Train yourself on skills that will be useful to your future employer.  Lean how to successfully write a grant; research new technology that can be used to serve the population you wish to help; and keep current with important verdicts and happenings in the area of law you wish to practice

• Going to law school often means accruing large educational debt, so prepare for your future.  Speak with your financial aid department about loan forgiveness program for students pursuing public interest careers and ask about loan repayment assistance programs.

• Take care of yourself!  The best way to prepare for yourself is to engage in your community and remain active.  Read, watch and listen to what is happening in the world to exercise your mind.  In addition, exercise, eat properly, drink water and get lots of sleep to maintain you physical health.  Most importantly engage with those around you and in civic responsibilities such as voting and jury duty!  All of these aspects lead to a healthy and happy career.  Finally, remember what Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.”

In addition to Judge Wilson’s tips for a successful career, Equal Justice Works offers a wealth of information for public interest-minded law students.  Be sure to learn more about our post-graduate fellowship opportunities as well as educational debt relief, geared specifically for those interested in pursuing public service careers.