Steven Weigler shares his diverse career journey, from working in criminal law in Miami to founding his own startup focused on education. He discusses the importance of taking risks, building relationships, and being open to new opportunities, emphasizing the value of a legal education in navigating various career paths. Steven's insights highlight the versatility of a law degree and the importance of being adaptable in the ever-changing legal landscape.
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Steven Weigler's background is diverse and dynamic, reflecting his journey through various career paths. Starting with a strong interest in criminal law, Steven's curiosity and passion for justice led him to work for Congress and eventually pursue a law degree. His experience working in criminal law in Miami and later transitioning to corporate counsel at AT&T showcased his adaptability and willingness to explore different areas of law. Steven's entrepreneurial spirit shone through when he founded a company focused on curriculum and assessment for underserved populations, demonstrating his commitment to social impact and innovation. As he transitioned to founding Emerge Counsel, a boutique law firm specializing in business and IP law, Steven's focus on empathetic legal practice and client-centered approach has set him apart in the legal industry.
“I think if you're going to go outside the field, you have to convince whoever you need to help you that you're trainable," shares Steven Weigler on You Are A Lawyer.
In reflecting on his career journey, Steven emphasizes the importance of taking risks and exploring diverse opportunities with a law degree. He encourages young lawyers and law students to be open to different career paths and to seek mentorship from individuals outside the legal field. He highlights his belief in the transferability of legal skills and the value of being adaptable in pursuing non-traditional legal careers. Steven's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring lawyers to embrace change, take risks, and carve out unique paths in the legal profession.
Steven chose to go to law school due to his deep-rooted interest in criminal law and social justice issues. Growing up in a segregated city like Milwaukee, Steven was intrigued by the disparities in arrest rates and the concept of justice. His passion for intellectual curiosity and reading newspapers from a young age led him to pursue a career path that combined his interests in law and policy.
"I was always interested in criminal law. And I think it was just from watching television growing up and just being interested in more than the average person about a police stop," reflects Steven Weigler on Episode 153 of You Are a Lawyer.
During his time in law school and subsequent career experiences, Steven realized that his personality and interests extended beyond the traditional boundaries of legal practice. He explored various career paths, including working for Congress and as a corporate counsel in telecommunications, before eventually founding his own law firm, Emerge Counsel. Steven's diverse experiences and entrepreneurial spirit led him to emphasize the importance of being open to taking risks and exploring different opportunities in the legal field.
Steven emphasized the importance of being open to taking risks and exploring different opportunities with a law degree. He highlighted the value of legal education in problem-solving, critical thinking, and mitigating risks, which are transferable skills applicable to various fields. Steven's journey from working in criminal law to founding his own law firm specializing in business and IP law demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of a law degree in different industries.
“Your identity and who you are can be two different things," reflects Steven Weigler on Episode 153 of You Are a Lawyer.
A law degree serves as a strong foundation for diverse career options, ranging from entrepreneurship to e-commerce law, branding, and international business. Steven's experience underscores the importance of networking, seeking mentorship, and being open to new opportunities to leverage a law degree effectively. Ultimately, a law degree provides a solid framework for critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, enabling individuals to carve out unique and fulfilling career paths beyond traditional legal practice.
Steven's journey from working in criminal law to starting his own company showcases the versatility of a law degree in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. He emphasizes the importance of being open to taking risks and exploring different career paths, even if they may not align with the typical trajectory of a lawyer's career. Steven's experience highlights the value of leveraging legal skills and critical thinking in diverse industries, such as e-commerce and business consulting.
“You have to go and talk to people and find out how they got there,” shares Steven Weigler in Episode 153 of You Are a Lawyer.
By engaging with mentors and industry experts, lawyers can gain valuable insights into different industries and potential side hustle opportunities. Steven's advice encourages lawyers to be proactive in seeking advice and learning from those who have successfully navigated non-traditional career paths, ultimately empowering them to pursue side businesses with confidence and strategic planning.
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Steven Weigler is licensed to practice law in the States of Colorado and Florida
Learn more about Steven | EmergeCounsel
Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.
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