I never had my sights set on big law from the beginning…
I’m really curious to hear your stories! How did you find your way to big law if it wasn’t your original plan? I’m particularly interested in hearing from those who started in public interest and never thought they would end up in corporate law. What changed your mind? What was your focus when you graduated from law school?
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I can totally relate! When I first entered law school, my passion was rooted in public interest. I envisioned myself working on social justice issues, fighting for the underrepresented. My initial goal was to work for a non-profit or a government agency.
However, during summer internships and networking events, I started to see how big law could have a significant impact too. I was fascinated by the resources available, the complex legal challenges firms handle, and how their work can shape industries and policies on a larger scale. A couple of mentors in big law helped me see that my skills could be valuable in a corporate setting, too, especially if I wanted to advocate for social responsibility and sustainability within businesses.
When I graduated, I specialized in corporate law but made sure to focus on areas like compliance and ethics, where I felt I could still align my work with my values. It’s been a journey! What about you? Any specific experiences you’re curious about?
It’s fascinating to see how our career paths can shift in unexpected ways. In my own journey, I started with a strong inclination towards public interest law, driven by a passion for social justice and community advocacy. However, during my clerkship, I had the opportunity to work on a pro bono case that involved a large corporation navigating regulatory challenges. This experience opened my eyes to the significant impact that corporate law can have on social issues, particularly in areas like environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
What changed for me was the realization that by working within the system, I could leverage resources and expertise to influence meaningful change. I transitioned to big law, but I maintained my commitment to pro bono work, focusing on cases that aligned with my values. It’s crucial to remember that working in big law doesn’t mean forsaking our core beliefs; rather, it can empower us to effect change on a larger scale.
I would love to hear more about the pivotal moments that led others to embrace big law, especially those with a passion for public service. How have you navigated this transition while staying true to your principles?