Katie Smithgall '14
— Law Student
“I suggest talking to as many people as you can. I had no idea how many different areas of the law existed, nor what kind of opportunities I could take advantage of as a student. During my first year, I met with many professors and attorneys to try to figure out what kind of jobs I should be applying for, given my interests. Not only has that made me more focused in my studies, but it has also helped build a solid network of people.”
Personal/Professional Journey
How did you find your way to where you are today? Share a little about your professional journey.
I wanted to go to law school for as long as I can remember, although I did not know the first thing about being a lawyer. At Furman, I tried to take as many courses as possible to develop my critical thinking skills and discover my strengths and weaknesses. “Furman Engaged” really stuck with me, and I used it to motivate myself during my first year of law school when I had no clue what I was doing. I went to as many networking events and career panels as I could. I attended random lectures even though they were not dangling CLP credit in my face. I participated in class and I went to office hours. It was during these experiences I slowly figured out what classes I was interested in, which professors could really help me in my career, and how to join professional organizations and take on leadership roles.
Was there a catalyzing experience be that critical meeting, research or discovery, being recruited, failing, starting over, or major event, that shaped your career? What advice would you offer someone in the same situation?
During my first year in law school, I had an interview for a summer position. I was really excited about it and talked with several people who gave me advice about the position and how I could stand out. The interviewer and I really clicked, and not only was I hired, but we stayed in touch even after he left the agency. When it came time to apply for my next summer job, I reached out to him, and he sent my resume to everyone he knew. As a result, I had numerous job offers and was able to find the firm that was a perfect fit. I never would have thought a twenty-minute screening interview would have such an impact on my career. If I have learned anything, it is that the little things matter. You never know what experience or what meeting is going to open a new door.
Within the field
When providing advice for professional development, what are some tools or resources one should consider?
People have been my greatest resource. That might sound cliché, but I have found setting up coffee with professionals in my fields of interest has led to some incredible connections and neat job opportunities. I am a member of a few legal groups in the DC area, and I subscribe to many listservs for practice areas I find interesting. As a student, I attend as many free events as I am able, and for the events that are not free, I often volunteer to work the registration table so I can get face time with as many people as possible.
I am also a serious goal-setter. During my first year of law school, I made myself go to one event a week. I went to some random events, but I met many incredibly successful people, learned about different areas of the law, and sounded more interesting in interviews when I could intelligently discuss my activities outside of class. I try to always have a list of personal and professional goals so that I am constantly reaching outside of my comfort zone. I do not always reach my goals, but I know I am working towards something every day.
How would you recommend someone interested in the same career/vocation pursue a similar path?
I suggest talking to as many people as you can. I had no idea how many different areas of the law existed, nor what kind of opportunities I could take advantage of as a student. During my first year, I met with many professors and attorneys to try to figure out what kind of jobs I should be applying for, given my interests. Not only has that made me more focused in my studies, but it has also helped build a solid network of people.
For someone just getting started
What do you wish you would have known getting started in your field?
I wish I had done more research. I knew I wanted to go to law school, but I never really thought about what I wanted to do with my law degree. Many people change their mind during their three years, but I did not know anything about the different practice areas, firm sizes, or government positions.
How could Furman help with getting someone started?
I think Furman could improve its pre-law resources. It would be helpful to connect students who are interested in law school with alumni who have gone through the application process and can speak to different opportunities in the field. Furman had many networking events, but it would be helpful to have more focused events for different fields.
Furman University
How has your liberal arts background shaped your career path or supported your success?
I was an economics and communications studies double major. In my communications studies courses, I learned practical skills like public speaking and debate, and I also learned how to critically read text and understand how language is used. These skills are critical in law school. For all my classes, I am assigned tough cases to read, and knowing how to critically read the text and understand the language used in the opinions made the transition to law school smooth.
In my economics courses, I learned how to collect and analyze data, and how to approach difficult questions with a cost/benefit analysis. Additionally, I learned how to distill complex ideas into understandable solutions. In law school, and in my work, I use these skills all the time. While at the Federal Trade Commission, I had to read through reports by economists to understand the potential problems with large mergers. I then had to take that information and summarize it for the rest of the team. Additionally, in law school, it has offered me a unique perspective to our legal system. Understanding the efficiency arguments and knowing how to look at the costs/benefits of certain rules or standards has made me a better law student.
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