College Experiences That Helped a Senior Deputy District Attorney in Orange County Succeed
To succeed in a law career, strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills are essential; Bryan, a Senior Deputy District Attorney, recommends challenging courses in these areas, suggesting that "getting involved in mock trial [and] speech and debate" directly translates to crucial career skills. A major in any area of interest is acceptable, but developing these fundamental abilities is paramount to success.
Communication, Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Public Speaking, Legal Studies
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Bryan Clavecilla
Sr. Deputy District Attorney
Orange County District Attorney
UCLA class of 2004
Chapman School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2007
Philosophy
Government & Public Sector, Law
Legal
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Take challenging reading and writing courses to build critical thinking skills. These are essential for a law career.
2. Major in something you enjoy, but ensure you develop strong reading, writing, and analytical skills.
3. Get involved in extracurricular activities like mock trial or debate to develop practical skills used in law.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
You'll need to take difficult classes in reading, writing, and analysis. You can major in anything that interests you, but you really have to take reading and writing courses.
Ultimately, being a lawyer involves a lot of reading, a lot of writing, and a lot of critical thinking. For me, that was philosophy. For you, it could be whatever you're interested in.
Additionally, do what you enjoy. I started out thinking I wanted to be a doctor, or whatever my family wanted me to do. I realized I like philosophy. I like thinking about things.
Eventually, I had to figure out how that translates into a career. I thought about the law and what it involves. So, if you want to be a trial attorney, get involved in mock trial, speech, and debate. These are skills you'll use your entire career.
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