After I passed the New York bar exam in 2019, I began researching opportunities to gain more legal education and credentials in a field of law I was particularly interested–food law. That’s when I found a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from the University of Arkansas in food and agricultural law and policy.
The program is a hybrid of virtual and in-person classes and allows students to attend on a part-time basis. I was excited about the program, because I am passionate about food law and want to be an advocate for individuals with food allergies. I felt the program would help me better understand the nuances of food law and policy and help me better advocate for change in food policy.
But, do you really need an LL.M? After all, you finished your law degree, graduated, passed the bar exam, got yourself a great job, why would you need another degree? [Read more…] about What Is an LLM And Do I Need One?
Throughout law school, I was continuously surprised about how much money everything cost and how many extra expenses there were. Of course, I knew I would pay for books and office supplies like highlighters, pens, and legal pads. I figured I’d have to pay for public transportation as I lived in Boston. Basic necessities were a given, as well. Food, shelter, clothes. And, let’s not forget, obviously tuition. Yet there were items that I never expected to have to pay for as well.
I’ll admit, I was never good at getting to know most of my professors in school. There were some with whom I clicked and built a solid professional relationship with, but most of them I only ever saw in class.
With a busy law practice, a marriage, two small children, and a home to run, I am always looking for ways to multitask. Mealtime is a great excuse to talk to my preschooler about measurements and numbers, colors of fruits, and shapes of vegetables. Laundry is a great opportunity to review textures and sizes. Even sweeping the floor can be educational if we talk about what happens to crumbs when they get left on the floor.
A few years ago, there was a Twitter storm of people debating the worst career advice they’d been given. I was shocked to see one of the pieces of advice most heavily criticized was cold-calling potential employers.
As a new attorney, I figured being stressed was part of the job, or I must be doing it wrong. How many fictional characters do we watch on TV or in the movies who are attorneys who are stressed out of their minds? And, I don’t know about you, but when I polled every attorney I knew about why they became attorneys, all of them brushed off the question and told me not to follow suit and become a lawyer too.