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Nathan, Attorney at Robinson Bradford LLP: Advize Career Interview
A winding path from community college to Brigham Young University, fueled by diverse jobs and a church mission, led to a successful career as an associate attorney at Robinson Bradford LLP. This legal professional's daily routine, while surprisingly sedentary, involves all phases of litigation, from client intake to courtroom arguments.
Critical reading, writing, and oral presentation skills are key, along with the ability to manage inherent uncertainty and stress.
The most rewarding aspect is representing employees and "righting wrongs," offering a unique perspective into various industries.
Success in the legal field requires a "type A" personality, strong academics, and extensive networking, but building a strong reputation is paramount.
A crucial lesson learned is the importance of self-reflection before entering the profession and understanding how personal attributes may affect career trajectory.
Entry-level positions exist, albeit limited, offering valuable experience within law offices.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Nathan Robinson
Attorney
Robinson Bradford LLP
Brigham Young University
Texas Tech University School of Law (law degree)
Political Science, American Studies
Law
Legal
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
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Career Path Of A College Student In Higher Education
Nathan's career journey began with an unexpected path, initially rejected by Brigham Young University, "I didn't get in," leading to community college and a two-year church mission before finally attending BYU. This winding path, including various jobs like "janitorial jobs" and campaign work that influenced their decision to avoid politics, shaped their unique professional development.
Main Responsibilities Of An Attorney At Robinson Bradford LLP
As an associate attorney, Nathan's role encompasses "almost all phases of litigation," from initial "client intake" and drafting legal documents to courtroom "oral argument" and interacting with opposing counsel, showcasing a broad range of responsibilities in the legal field. This demonstrates a well-rounded experience across the litigation process.
A Day In The Life Of An Attorney At Robinson Bradford LLP
Contrary to popular media portrayals, a day in the life of an attorney at Robinson Bradford LLP involves extensive "sitting at [their] chair," reading documents, and typing, a routine that took "a couple years" to adjust to. The work is primarily sedentary, a stark contrast to the more dynamic experiences of schooling, leading to a feeling of missing "recess" and "outside time."
Most Important Skills For An Attorney At Robinson Bradford LLP
Nathan, an attorney at Robinson Bradford LLP, emphasizes that critical reading and writing skills are paramount, noting that "even law school probably doesn't really prepare you for it," while also highlighting the importance of oral presentation skills and the ability to manage the inherent stress of the profession.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Attorney At Robinson Bradford LLP
Nathan, an attorney at a small firm, finds the most enjoyable aspect of the role is the flexibility it offers, stating, "I can kind of situate my day how I want," a benefit stemming from the small firm setting rather than the legal profession itself.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Attorney at Robinson Bradford LLP
Nathan's biggest challenge as an attorney at Robinson Bradford LLP is the inherent uncertainty of the legal field; the constant need to "practice" law, meaning "you don't really always know what you're doing," requires continuous learning and adaptation to unforeseen situations.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Employment Law Industry As An Attorney
Nathan enjoys representing employees ("the plaintiff side of work"), finding it rewarding to "right a wrong" and help those who have been wronged. This work allows Nathan to learn about diverse industries, gaining insight into "the nuts and bolts" of how various businesses operate, from insurance to restaurants.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Law Industry, According To An Attorney At Robinson Bradford LLP
Nathan, an attorney at Robinson Bradford LLP, describes those who thrive in the legal industry as "type A personalities," driven and ambitious, a contrast to Nathan's own personality. This difference, and the resulting discomfort with the typical attorney persona, leads to a lack of enthusiasm for disclosing the profession.
What An Attorney At Robinson Bradford LLP Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Legal Industry
Nathan, an attorney at Robinson Bradford LLP, wishes they had done "a lot of introspection" before entering the legal field to better understand their strengths and weaknesses and how well they aligned with the profession. The reflection suggests a potential career path reevaluation had a clearer self-assessment been undertaken prior to committing to law.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Attorneys
Entry-level legal roles for undergraduates are limited, with Nathan citing "legal secretary, assistant type, um, maybe paralegal" as examples. Even these roles offer valuable experience, allowing individuals "to be in a law office and kind of see, uh, how it operates," providing a foundation for future legal careers.
Significant Career Lesson From an Attorney at Robinson Bradford LLP
Nathan, an attorney at Robinson Bradford LLP, emphasizes the paramount importance of reputation in legal practice, stating that "your reputation matters" not only with judges but also with opposing counsel, especially in smaller legal communities where repeated interactions are common. Building trust and honesty are crucial for career success, as dishonesty can lead to being "not trusted" and ultimately harm one's career trajectory.
College Experiences That Helped an Attorney at Robinson Bradford LLP Succeed
Nathan, an attorney at Robinson Bradford LLP, emphasizes the importance of strong academics, stating "I got good grades or tried to get good grades," but also highlights the significant benefit of networking, advising that "people don't hire resumes, they hire people," and suggesting minimizing student loan debt to maintain career flexibility after graduation.
How Identity Has Influenced an Attorney at Robinson Bradford LLP's Career
Nathan's religious identity, evident through graduating from BYU, has presented both opportunities and challenges in the legal field; some have viewed this favorably, while others may have held negative biases, highlighting the unpredictable nature of how individual characteristics impact career progression and the importance of not making assumptions about others' perspectives. "You don't always know how whatever makes you unique...you may not really know," illustrates the uncertainty of this impact.
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