Favorite Parts of Working in the Legal Industry as a Partner at a Small Law Firm
John, a partner/attorney specializing in foreclosure law, finds the most rewarding aspect of his career to be "help[ing] people," particularly during challenging times like the 2007-2009 recession. He recounts helping numerous distressed clients facing foreclosure, offering reassurance and guidance to navigate the process, demonstrating the human impact of legal work and the value of expertise in alleviating fear and uncertainty.
Helping People, Legal Expertise, Foreclosure Law, Client Communication, Financial Crisis
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
John Fricks
Partner/attorney
Small Law Firm
Cal Poly
Boston University law degree (J.D.)
Computer Science
Law
Legal
Video Highlights
1. Helping clients facing foreclosure during the 2008 recession and providing them with reassurance and legal guidance.
2. Combining legal expertise with previous experience as a bank vice president to offer clients a unique perspective.
3. Focusing on client well-being and providing emotional support during stressful financial situations.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your industry?
I think you can help people if you try. I remember in 2007, 2008, and 2009, during the Great Recession, many people were terrified they couldn't make their mortgage payments.
They might have gotten underwater, interest rates could have gone up, or they got a bad loan. So many people came to me, and one of my areas of specialty is foreclosure law. I understand how that works and how banks operate because I was a vice president of a bank.
I met with probably 10 clients a week for about two years. These clients were desperate and had no money. I couldn't give them free consultations, or I'd go bankrupt and face foreclosure myself.
Instead, I charged them a reasonable fee to sit down. I would assure them, "You are not a bad person. This happened, and you can recover from this." I would explain that they wouldn't go after their car or other assets.
They could lose their house, but it's not immediate. It's a six to nine-month process. You can pocket that money and make savings so you can rent something later.
People would be crying and thank me because they were so terrified of what could happen. They received nasty letters from their banks. I look at that and realize that's what you're there to do.
It's not about saying they won't lose their house, but they can survive this and move on. It will just be a factor in their life.
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