I don’t know what the legal profession used to be like, but I feel as though young lawyers have it a bit different today than they did in the past. Maybe in my mind one of those reasons is because somehow I found a way to gain admission to the profession.

My parents and non-lawyer friends think I’m part of this wonderful, elite super group and have trouble understanding why it’s difficult to find a job or why I’m not diving into cash Uncle Scrooge-style. I just let it ride at this point; there’s no point of burdening others with my explanation.

I only graduated from the University of Maryland’s law school in 2009, but it seems to me that, among other things, in the legal profession there is an abundance of unsolicited advice. And I did enjoy listening to everyone’s bar exam advice, I really did. And I’m happy that fellow attorneys are so willing to help to those of us who are just starting out.

However, I have found that, for me at least, listening to the experiences of other attorneys (peers and elders alike) has been more helpful than the advice. Granted, I am a psychology major who genuinely enjoys listening to other people’s problems, but I think it can generally be helpful for everyone.

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‘Generation J.D.’ is getting new voices.

You’ll meet our new bloggers throughout this week and next week as our regular contributors continue to write about their lives as young lawyers. You can learn more about all of our bloggers here.

Our thanks to Allie, Jason, Keith, Lila, Rob and Ryan for helping to launch and build this blog in the last two years.

We’re always on the lookout for new bloggers, too. If you’re a young lawyer who enjoys writing things other than briefs but don’t have a place to vent, opine, give advice or get advice, let us know.

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Coming from a home with your typical overbearing Korean parents, I was given several limited career options when I was heading into high school.

“Hae Eun, you can either be a lawyer, doctor, dentist, or teacher.”

My parents immigrated to this country in 1979, and they were adamant that the only way to survive in the American world was to possess a profession that would give you some semblance of stability. I immediately chose to be a teacher, because well, let’s be honest, it sounded like the easiest option at the time.

However, a brief stint in a volunteer teaching position during college made me quickly realize that I had underestimated the patience required to enrich young minds in an educational setting. By 1999, I had several run-ins with science-based courses that also directed me to the conclusion that I was truly inept at succeeding in that world.

I wish I had some romantic story about how I had always dreamed about helping the indigent receive proper legal services and, therefore, that is why I went to law school. But alas, it was merely my blind trust in my parents’ advice at the time that caused me to choose the law as my future occupation.

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For many, fall is a lovely season: a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows and oranges. It is a quaint time filled with visits to the pumpkin patch, costume parties and crisp autumn walks. Law students, however, have a different view of fall. It’s a season of horrors; a time consumed by job searching, cover letters, interviews, follow-up letters and rejection letters.

Considering the amount of debt accumulated in seven years, it is no surprise that many law students apply or plan to apply to large firms. It’s understandable. With that in mind, do not let quick gratification blind you from considering other opportunities that may bring about the same, if not more, benefits — albeit less quickly. As we enter the fall, consider applying for a judicial clerkship.

Clerkships are available in both the federal and state courts, and at both the trial and appellate court level. Trial court clerks are involved in fact-finding and the daily processing of litigation: motion practice, discovery disputes and settlement conferences. In contrast, appellate court clerks research the issues of law and fact, and draft memoranda and/or working opinions for judges.

Many attorneys view the judicial clerkship as a distinguished way to begin a legal career. So, consider a judicial clerkship, even if you’ve accepted an offer. While that may seem irrational, the following seven reasons explain why law firms view clerkships so favorably and why many will preserve their original offer if you decide to accept a judicial clerkship.

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When I was approached by Generation J.D. with an invitation to blog, I was excited about the opportunity. I don’t perceive myself as an expert on any subject at this stage in my career. After all, I only graduated from law school a year and a half ago. Thus, I have very little to offer in the way of “sage” advice. What I do have, and why you are reading my blog entry now, is (at least what I think is) a unique perspective.

I did not come from a family of lawyers; I came from a family of artists. My great grandmother was a poet; my grandmother was an artist; my mother and sister are artists; and my three brothers are both artistic and musical.

I am proud of those roots. But while I dabbled in music and the arts (I always had a particular affinity for poetry and short stories) growing up, I ultimately put myself through college working as a paralegal. All told, I worked at law firms in Maryland and D.C. for almost 10 years before I started law school. I worked hard, and I worked a lot. And I learned an amazing amount from working with some great lawyers — including some incredible women who I am proud to call my role models.

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Editor’s Note: Jason Beaulieu is a new writer for Generation JD.  Click here to read his profile.

As a new writer for Generation J.D., I’m excited to share my thoughts about the legal world and beyond. From law school to clerkships to student loans to bar exams, from civil actions to discovery to billable hours and happy hours, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Along the way, I promise to be as helpful, humorous and irreverent as possible.

In case you’re wondering, I pronounce my last name buh LOO, like balloon minus the “n” or the bear in The Jungle Book. Sure I’ve Americanized it a bit, but when you have a last name like mine you do what you gotta do. It’s funny when judges give it a whirl. What comes out usually sounds like bad high school French or Read the rest of this entry »

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