I don’t really do threads, but... here’s a thread with a few notes for law students looking to explore alternative careers, are a bit lost as #firstgen students or both who (like I was). If you know someone who you think would benefit from it please share.

1/8

As law schools end I see a lot of posts by excited folks, but also a lot of stress, particularly from #firstgen students who really don’t know how to navigate this realm. As someone who’s lived that, I’m happy to connect w/ anyone in this realm.

2/8

I get the sense career services haven’t improved in this realm since my time. I went to mine asking for help. They gave me a book that detailed some guy becoming a trucker & another being lucky enough to have $ to executive produce his friend’s movie (Star Wars?).

3/8

As a #firstgen student I didn’t know who to ask outside of career services. That would as their job. To ask anyone else felt like a burden &, tbh, I think was kind of embarrassing. I graduated not expecting a job. Which is ridiculous, but that was my deal.

4/8

It also bears noting I was a pierced, hair dyed, barista, punk who really wanted to explore law but knew he didn’t fit into most roles. To be fair that was likely as much my perception as anything. Again - my reality.

I also didn’t know a single lawyer before law school.

5/8

I didn’t feel I could worry about jobs until after the bar. For a flat broke #firstgen the time was too stressful. I know people face tougher things, but having your bank card declined trying to pay for a $6 breakfast before day 2 of the bar exam was nearly unbearable.

6/8

W/O outside support I would have taken a job at Starbucks post bar exam. That was just my training. Take a job to make sure you can eat and pay rent. Nothing wrong w that job, but it’s not gonna pay back tuition. Thankfully someone stepped in and helped me plan an approach.

7/8

Not everyone has that person to help out. But there is always hope & there are SO MANY paths available. That’s why I’m offering to chat. I don’t know many people get the unique challenges that face some of us entering the profession. If I can help out in any way I’d love to.
8/8

Thanks @denniskennedy @inspiredcat and @JLTfromNC for the early engagement- nearly a decade in and I’m still learning how to actually use Twitter!