James ’05: Law school offers a new challenge

James ’05 worked in advertising sales for a Wisconsin newspaper for nearly six years after graduating from college. Now 31, he is entering his third year as a full-time student at William Mitchell, a career transition made possible in part by receiving the Leonard Street and Deinard Diversity Scholarship. The scholarship was awarded by the Minneapolis law firm as part of its ongoing effort to network with area law schools and students of color.

James, who says the scholarship has helped him build a relationship with a respected firm, hopes to practice in products liability defense after he graduates next spring. Because community service is important to him, he says he is also looking forward to the increased flexibility his degree will give him in serving others.

“I had not always planned on going to law school. As an undergraduate student, I did not think that I’d continue on in school after finishing my four-year degree. As the first person in my family to attend college, I was just focused on graduating, starting a fulfilling career, and helping my family. After several years of working, I decided I needed a different challenge. I knew that I still wanted to remain in the business sector, but I began looking at how I could do that in a different capacity. That was when I began to investigate law school.

I chose William Mitchell because of its history, alumni, and the opportunities that a law degree from William Mitchell can provide. William Mitchell’s legal writing and advocacy courses are excellent.

The greatest rewards of law school so far have been making it through the first year and knowing that I can do this, doing well in my legal writing class, and being a summer associate at a firm in Minneapolis this past summer.

The classes are very interesting. They can be challenging, complex, and fun all at the same time. Several of William Mitchell’s classes are taught, in part, by lawyers from the community. This gives students the opportunity to learn from practicing attorneys. My professors have all been willing to take the time to meet with students, and all of them are very knowledgeable in their fields.

Although studying for classes is a high priority, I would say that getting away from it all and having some fun is also needed. For example, building friendships through law school can be one of the most rewarding things to achieve. I have met and become friends with several students who have influenced me and helped me make it through, ¬especially the first year.

I have been married for almost four years. I have no kids, no pets, and one Sony Playstation. My hobbies are playing Texas Hold’em poker, fantasy football, and sampling different types of foods. Law school has affected all these areas. Although sometimes it is hard to do, I think a law student should try to balance school with the other important things in life.

Anyone considering law school should seriously evaluate the time and energy that will be needed and think about the tuition as an investment in the future. Attending law school is a great experience, but it has to be for the person who is willing to go through the challenges, hard times, and rewards. I would definitely recommend William Mitchell.”