For the first time in my life, I can say that I truly love my job! Working as a legal assistant at Spiva Law Group is an experience that will be the foundation for my career and, to me, that makes it priceless.
I enjoy not just the “fun” or “good” parts, but the job in its entirety. Now, I’d be lying if I say every single aspect of it brings me unbridled joy, but the occasions when I am doing routine things just serve to highlight the fact that there is no substitute for hard graft. None. Unless you believe the diet pill commercials, that is.
As a legal assistant at SLG, I have immense opportunities, from going down to the courthouse to see how something is filed, to attending Georgia Trial Lawyers Association workshops. I also get invaluable chances to observe how things are done at the highest level at our office. I feel like I have a mentor; I will prepare for battle with a veteran, not alone. These are things many people do after law school, if they’re lucky! My job gives me what everyone needs at the beginning of a career- exposure. I can find out about so many aspects of what lawyers do and how the law is applied. This is really the ultimate “before you go to law school” book, yet you won’t find it on any shelf or for sale anywhere. I also hear about (and am given) excellent books about trial law. One example is Rick Friedman’s Becoming a Trial Lawyer. These books not only help me realize that this is something I want to do and can aspire to, but they also give me a foot in the door of legal education.
It is also the first time when I have truly been given responsibility. Not the kind of responsibility you have working as a cook, or even a PR web copy writer. I’ve been given the chance to prove my worth, and mistakes here can impact a client forever. I use insight, intellect and some common sense as I do my job, and I’m constantly learning.
Another aspect of my job that makes it very unique is the family atmosphere the employees share. Everyone is on a first name basis, and it’s very evident that we are a team. We win together; we have setbacks together. I don’t know of many places with this kind of genuine and friendly environment.
This job has been the catalyst for finding my passion; I very much want to be an attorney. I have discovered something that really motivates me to work hard, and I look forward to having the chance to represent people, not giant corporations. And what better way to achieve that goal than by starting from the beginning?
The best chefs in the world have all washed dishes and been sous chefs.
