Last Friday, I participated in Career Day at a local middle school.  A close friend is a teacher at the school and runs the program.  She asked me to talk to the students about practicing law.

What an interesting experience – for me.  In preparing what I wanted to talk about, I had to step back and think about how to explain what I do, why I do it and how it works, to a group of 12–13-year-olds.  Notably, a different muscle than one I am used to.

Those that were brave enough to come up with their own questions (rather than the pre-set questions the teachers had provided) had really intuitive and practical thoughts.  In response to certain questions, I shared my thoughts about the skill set for a successful lawyer, or what courses might help to chart a young lawyer’s direction.    

Some students shared that they wanted to pursue the profession too. When asked why, most said they were good at (and enjoyed) arguing.  My response was that the best lawyers were more skilled at listening and that to make a good argument you had to first have an understanding of the problem and potential solutions.

I very much hope to be invited back next year.