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Dee, Attorney at State of California: Advize Career Interview
A California State Attorney's career journey began with a college interest in policy and environmental law, sparked by a pivotal course.
A series of government internships and research roles followed law school, culminating in a fulfilling position advising decision-makers on legal and risk management.
This advisory role, a unique aspect of state agency work, involves collaboration with diverse teams, including engineers and scientists, and requires strong communication and research skills.
The most rewarding aspect is the collaborative environment, working toward a shared goal of improving California's environment.
Challenges include navigating state bureaucracy, but the opportunity to make a tangible difference outweighs obstacles. The attorney's advice to aspiring environmental lawyers?
Build strong relationships, hone writing and research skills, explore paralegal positions, legal clerkships, and internships, and understand the variety of roles beyond litigation.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Dee Dee Dickey
Attorney
State of California
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Berkeley - JD
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Anthropology, Sociology
Law
Legal
None Applicable
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Career Path of an Attorney at State of California
Dee's career path began with a college interest in a policy-focused legal career, leading to environmental law after "a course taught by some attorneys who were practicing environmental law." Post-law school, multiple government internships and a research role followed before a return to state government environmental law, where they found fulfilling work and "got a lot of responsibility and got to work with great people."
Main Responsibilities of an Attorney at State of California
Dee's main responsibility as a California state attorney involved advising "decision makers," including board members and executive directors, on legal options and risks, requiring close collaboration with staff and public presentations. This advisory role, common in state agencies but distinct from the advocacy work of attorneys in the Attorney General's office, highlights the diversity of legal careers within state government, presenting a choice between "fighter" and "advisor" roles.
A Day In The Life Of An Attorney At The State Of California
A day as an attorney varies greatly depending on the role; as a senior attorney advising a water quality agency, a typical day involved "attending meetings," "legal research," and advising decision-makers, but other attorneys, such as those in the Attorney General's office, focus on litigation and court appearances. The interviewee highlights the unique aspect of environmental law, emphasizing collaboration with "engineers and scientists," contrasting it with roles involving teams composed solely of attorneys.
Most Important Skills for an Attorney at State of California
Dee, an attorney specializing in environmental law for a California state agency, emphasizes the importance of strong interpersonal communication skills, "working with people...from a lot of different backgrounds," and clear writing accessible to non-legal audiences. The ability to conduct thorough legal research and understanding the advisory, rather than advocacy, role of an agency attorney— "staying in your own lane"— are also crucial for success in this position.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Attorney At The State Of California
Dee, a California state attorney, found the most rewarding aspect of their career to be "working with the diversity of people" in their agency, individuals who shared a common goal of improving California's water quality and communities; this collaborative effort, along with the research and writing involved, fueled a sense of purpose in making "our state a better place to live."
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Attorney at State of California
Dee's biggest challenge as an Attorney for the State of California was navigating "the state's bureaucracy," which often leads to slow processes for promotions and hiring, and periodic budget crises impacting training and development opportunities. This experience highlights the unique hurdles faced in public sector employment.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Environmental Law Industry As An Attorney
Dee, a California state attorney, found the most rewarding aspect of environmental law to be "the people," highlighting their collaborative spirit, optimism, and shared commitment to California's environment. Their description of environmental lawyers as a group who are "pretty nice people" who "come up with a proposal to address it" when they see a need reveals a fulfilling professional environment built on shared values and positive collaboration.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Environmental Law According To An Attorney At State Of California
Environmental lawyers typically "believe that it's important to follow environmental rules" and "do not cut corners," prioritizing ethical practice. Success in this field also hinges on collaboration, as strong environmental attorneys enjoy and excel at working with "engineers, scientists, [and] land use planners."
What an Environmental Attorney at the State of California Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Environmental Law Industry
Dee, a California state attorney, discovered that many environmental lawyers in private firms act as advisors, ensuring clients comply with environmental regulations, contradicting the initial perception that such lawyers primarily challenge rules; this finding was an "important lesson" for Dee's career.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Attorneys At State Of California
For undergraduates interested in environmental law, a paralegal position in a law firm offers valuable experience. Law school students can explore various roles like "legal clerks, legal externships, and summer legal jobs" within firms, agencies, and nonprofits, providing opportunities to discover the best fit in the field.
Significant Career Lesson from an Attorney at State of California
Dee, a California state Attorney, emphasizes the crucial role of relationship-building in a legal career, stating that "developing relationships with people is very important"—not just superficial networking, but genuine connections forged through "following up, having coffee with someone, getting to know them." This approach, involving consistent engagement with people across various fields, has proven invaluable to their career.
College Experiences That Helped An Attorney At State Of California Succeed
Dee's undergraduate success stemmed from government agency internships, providing valuable experience and exposure to different fields, coupled with a focus on writing and research skills honed through a senior thesis. The attorney also emphasized the importance of networking, advising students to "talk to people who do different kinds of jobs" and attend industry events to discover career paths that resonate.
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