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."
Environmental Law, Public Sector, Career Pivoting, Internships, Government Agencies
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Dee Dee Dickey
Attorney
State of California
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Berkeley - JD
Anthropology, Sociology
Government & Public Sector, Law
Legal
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. While in college, Dee focused on developing strong writing and analytical skills, crucial for a legal career. A senior thesis and self-directed course selection also highlight independent learning and initiative.
2. Dee's internships during law school involved government agencies and a legal services center, giving her experience in energy policy and working with low-income consumers. This demonstrates practical experience before entering the professional field.
3. Despite a hiring freeze after law school, Dee took a position at a research institute, showcasing adaptability and resourcefulness in navigating career challenges. This highlights that a linear path isn't always necessary to achieve goals.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Please include any internships or jobs you had before your current role.
When I was in college, I realized I was interested in a legal career focused on some sort of interesting policy issue. I attended a course in law school taught by practicing environmental attorneys and loved it. So, I decided I would become an environmental lawyer.
There was no particular experience I needed as an undergraduate, other than learning to write and analyze well. I was in a program at Berkeley where I had a lot of responsibility for defining my courses and writing a senior thesis. During that time, I had internships in the public sector, so I knew I might be interested in working there, but as an undergraduate, I had no idea I would be interested in environmental law.
My career path followed that with positions during law school. It started with an internship in Washington, D.C. The next summer, I returned and got a summer job there, both for government agencies. I also did an external program at a legal services backup center, working on energy policy affecting low-income consumers. I loved all of those roles.
When I got out of school, there was a hiring freeze in state and federal government, so my career path took a little bit of a left turn. I went to work for a research institute connected with the Berkeley campus, an energy analysis research group. I was the only non-scientist, non-engineer in that group. I loved doing it, but it was a bit away from law.
When the hiring freezes started lifting, I went to work in state government and worked at a couple of different state agencies in environmental law. I loved doing what I did, got a lot of responsibility, and got to work with great people.