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Christopher, Associate (lawyer) at King & Spalding, LLP: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from UC Davis undergraduate studies, through the Marine Corps, USC Gould School of Law, and UCLA Anderson's MBA program, culminated in a position at prestigious King & Spalding, LLP, as a healthcare litigator.
The experience showcased a unique blend of military discipline, legal expertise, and business acumen. Daily responsibilities involve advising clients, contract analysis, and brief drafting, ranging from paperwork to courtroom advocacy.
Success requires strong analytical and writing skills, advocacy, project management, and the ability to navigate complex cases and firm dynamics.
While challenges exist in balancing "working in" and "working on" the business, the rewarding aspects include increasing responsibility, making a tangible difference, and working with highly intelligent colleagues in a stimulating environment.
Aspiring legal professionals should seek internships for practical experience, and prioritize strong communication and understanding of personal finance for long-term success in this demanding yet intellectually engaging field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Christopher Jew
Associate (lawyer)
King & Spalding, LLP
University of California, Davis
USC Gould School of Law, J.D.; UCLA Anderson School of Management, MBA
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Economics
Law
Legal
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Veteran
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Career Path Of A Lawyer At King And Spalding
Christopher's career path, driven by internships focusing on "entrepreneurship and leadership," led from undergraduate studies at UC Davis to the Marine Corps, where the experience, though initially surprising ("running around in the woods with a pack and a rifle"), shaped their perspective. This journey continued through USC Gould School of Law, an MBA at UCLA Anderson, and smaller firms, ultimately culminating in a position at King & Spalding, LLP, demonstrating a unique blend of military service, legal expertise, and business acumen.
Main Responsibilities of an Associate Lawyer at King and Spalding LLP
As a healthcare litigator at King & Spalding, LLP, Christopher's main responsibilities involve advising clients, "reviewing and analyzing contracts," and drafting briefs to support healthcare providers, hospitals, and physicians in disputes with insurance companies. This includes a wide range of tasks, from "paperwork fights" to presenting oral arguments in arbitration or trial, requiring analysis of both legal documents and "claims data."
A Day In The Life Of An Associate Lawyer At King And Spalding
A day for an associate at King & Spalding "can vary greatly," ranging from office work like "reviewing materials related to the case" to active involvement in the legal process, such as "taking a deposition" or even "presenting oral advocacy on behalf of clients." This variety, coupled with the significant responsibility given to associates—often a one-on-one relationship with a partner—"moving the case forward"— highlights the dynamic and engaging nature of the role.
Most Important Skills for an Associate Lawyer at King and Spalding
For a lawyer at a firm like King & Spalding, LLP, "reading and analytic ability" and "strong writing skills" are paramount, complemented by "advocacy and project management skills." The ability to manage complex cases, akin to "a project extending over several years," and navigate the interpersonal dynamics within a large organization are also crucial for success.
Favorite Parts of Being an Associate Lawyer at King and Spalding
Christopher enjoys the "increasing amounts of responsibility" and the ability to "make a difference" in their cases at King & Spalding, a stark contrast to the feeling of being a "cog in the machine" at some larger firms. The firm's culture empowers associates, allowing them to engage in challenging intellectual work and feel valued as important team players who directly impact case outcomes.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Associate Attorney At King And Spalding
Christopher's biggest challenge as a senior associate at King & Spalding is balancing "working in the business" with "working on the business," a struggle inherent in aspiring to partnership while managing the demands of a growing family, as illustrated by the recent arrival of their first child. This necessitates difficult prioritization decisions among competing demands.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Legal Industry as an Associate Lawyer
Christopher enjoys the analytical problem-solving and risk assessment inherent in the legal industry, finding it a stimulating environment filled with "very smart people" and a constant stream of challenges; the industry's adjacency to numerous sectors adds further appeal.
Who Thrives In The Law Industry According To An Associate Attorney At King And Spalding
To thrive in the legal industry, a successful attorney must possess a blend of "harder scale aspects," such as analytical skills and academic rigor, and "people-centered, client-focused" abilities, because "law is not just a profession, it's also a business," requiring strong client relationships and collaboration. The ability to balance these seemingly disparate skill sets is key to long-term success.
What an Associate at King and Spalding LLP Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Law Industry
Christopher, an associate at King & Spalding, LLP, wished for a more realistic understanding of the day-to-day tasks before entering the legal profession, noting that "practicing law is kind of like the iceberg," with much of the work being "grunt work and reviewing documents," rather than the glamorous courtroom scenes often portrayed. Networking and directly asking lawyers about their daily routines, including the percentage of time spent on various tasks, is recommended for aspiring legal professionals to gain a clearer picture of the reality of the job.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Lawyers
To explore the legal field, undergraduate students should seek internships at law firms "to be around and to see what the life is like," gaining experience in administrative roles or as paralegals. Alternatively, a direct path into the field is pursuing law school immediately after undergraduate studies.
Significant Career Lesson From an Associate Lawyer at King and Spalding
Christopher, an Associate at King & Spalding, LLP, emphasizes the paramount importance of communication in a law firm setting, stating that "practicing law is a team sport." The key lesson learned is the value of "over communicating" rather than remaining silent, ensuring colleagues are always aware of progress, potential delays, and ongoing thought processes.
College Experiences That Helped an Associate at King & Spalding Succeed
Christopher's undergraduate success stemmed from "substantive internships" and diverse coursework, allowing exploration of career paths and self-discovery; the most valuable lesson learned was the "time value of money," emphasizing the importance of a personal finance understanding for career trajectory and long-term positioning.
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