Rising

Whether you’re tiptoeing down obscure halls in the law library searching for your interview room or packing up your apartment, you’re all now in the act of rising—as 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls. It’s a busy time. I know, because in the five short weeks I've been back at the  Law  School  as Yared  Getachew’s successor and your new Assistant Dean for Public Service, I’ve met and talked with many of you about your summer jobs and plans for future jobs. I’m already impressed by how much better you are at grabbing your job search by the horns than I was as a student—smarter, savvier, more creative.

Sitting at my desk in Yared’s old office, trying to make sense out of Symplicity, I’m reminded that I’m in the act of rising, too.

My background working as a litigator and transactional attorney with local governments (here in Albemarle and in Henrico) gives me a good sense of what it’s like on the employer’s side of the interview table. But I’ll need to learn throughout this year from all of you and from my great colleagues here at the Public Service Center and Career Services Office. Things like, what do you want to see the PSC offer this year? How can we do a better job of helping you map out your career goals and get there? Stay tuned: in the next couple of weeks we’ll be reaching out to hear your ideas. We’re also putting together a slate of exploratory speaker panels this fall to give you quick windows into the major public service practice areas.

So let me say now what you already know: this year isn’t going to be easy.

Legal aid organizations across the country and even big federal agencies are cutting back in the face of uncertain, shrinking budgets. But know that we are here for you—to counsel, brainstorm, help you with your fellowship applications and networking strategies, your interview skills, your tenth customized cover letter. And if you’ve never been to the Public Service Center but are interested in public service—come. Public service isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you came to law school knowing you wanted to be a public defender or decide as a 3L that  you’re interested in working for the federal government,  we want to meet you  and—hopefully—help you launch that career.

So welcome, rising 1Ls, 2Ls and 3Ls. Let’s meet this year’s challenges head-on—and rise to them.