For once, people were seeking my opinion and relying on my knowledge. It was a great feeling
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Name: Brandon Spivak, Class of 2011 |
How has the recession affected you as a law student/future lawyer?
I approach the current economic crisis the same way I approach law school; with persistence. Obviously, I am disappointed that unemployment is around 11% and that my home state (California) is issuing IOU's to taxpayers. However, I also understand that there is not much I can do about it other than work hard to make myself more marketable. The same is true in law school. There will always be outside factors, out of your control, that will affect your grades. But instead of getting hung up over them, I choose to focus on what I control. At the end of the day, whether it's law school or the economy, the same principles are true. There will always be a strong demand for something marketable, and to become marketable, you must work hard in school. Be patient, stay focused, and things will work out.
Where are you working over the summer?
Appelrouth & Farah in San Diego. I work primarily with tax issues and family law.
How did UM Law prepare you for working at Appelrouth?
During my 1L year, the school did a great job of mixing class with practical experience, such as networking events and moot court.
What was the most challenging part of working at Appelrouth?
It all depends. Some cases were difficult to brief because they had complicated holdings with important dicta. Other times, I ran into difficulty preparing court documents because I was unfamiliar with the format. However, I never felt unprepared to deal with an issue.
What surprised you the most about your co-workers?
I was surprised by the respect I received. Like most young adults, I have worked many odd-end jobs (retail, security, etc). When I walked into the firm as a 1L intern, all my co-workers treated me as a professional. For once, people were seeking my opinion and relying on my knowledge. It was a great feeling.
What is the biggest difference between practicing law and studying law?
At the firm, I am working with real numbers, real people, real consequences. During some classes, I would get lost in the cases because I was disinterested or distracted by other facts. But when you work, your attention is strictly focused on your client because you understand your responsibility. Instead of reading about the decision, you can influence the result.
Did you travel at all this summer?
Immediately after my last final, I left the country for Asia with my family. We traveled for a few weeks all over China and Thailand.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be?
I’d probably be in the medical field.
What’s the best/worst piece of advice you received before going to law school?
Best piece of advice: Enjoy your summer and come into school fully focused.
Worst piece of advice: Be competitive about grades because everyone is out for themselves. This could not be further from the truth. Some people can be obnoxious, but 95% of my classmates were very friendly and willing to help. Do not enter school viewing your peers as competition. Instead, view them as motivation. You want to work hard because everybody else does; not because you are trying to get a better grade than the guy next to you.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I plan to be practicing law in San Diego, California.
Favorite happy hour spot in Miami?
Chilis because of the great prices. But if you are looking for the local touch, check out Zeeks on Lincoln which has $3 beers from anywhere in the world.
Posted:
07/30/2009
