Extra-Curricular Opportunities Are Beneficial, Says Philadelphia Lawyer
Kevin V. Mincey is a partner at Mincey & Fitzpatrick LLC. Mincey attended the Howard University School of Law in Washington D.C. and received his Juris Doctorate in 2002. He attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, receiving his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and graduating in 1999 magna cum laude.
What sort of education is needed to secure a good job in your field?
"A person, who wants to become a lawyer, would need a degree from a four-year college and then complete a juris doctor program at an accredited law school. While a student is in law school they should look for extra-curricular opportunities such as being a member of the Moot Court team or a member of the school's law journal."
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
"Well, every aspect is difficult when it comes to practicing law so singling out one aspect of the 'most challenging' is difficult. But I would say that in private practice it is a balancing act between running a business and actually practicing law. Most lawyers despise the nuts and bolts of running a business and just want to focus on the cases. But the most successful lawyers in private practice find a way to balance their time to be great at both."
After graduation, how hard was it to transition to the actual working world?
"My transition wasn't difficult at all. When I was in law school I had a number of interviews in advance of graduation and had already a secured a job in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office before I finished law school. I've witnessed a number of more recent law school graduates who have had to take a less traditional route into the work force - often having to either volunteer for a period of time to prove their value or take lower salary public interest work to gain experience before moving on to law firm life."
What are some advanced courses you would suggest, that would be beneficial for this type of career?
"I would advise students in college to take any type of course in business or business administration. The legal market has changed quite a bit over the last five or six years. It seems certain that lawyers entering the profession now will likely have to run their own business at some point in their career. For students in law school, I would suggest focusing on any course that enhances their legal skills - like a class that teaches how to draft legal documents, contracts, and agreements. The common theory courses, that are tested on the Bar exam, are obviously important; but what makes a lawyer is having a varied skill set to turn to in every situation."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.