Vernon Thomas, a military attorney in the United States Army Reserves and a city prosecutor in New Orleans, shares his unique journey from aspiring English teacher to successful lawyer. In this episode, he reflects on the influence of his father, a prominent attorney, and discusses the importance of analytical skills in legal practice, as well as his unconventional approach to studying for the bar exam. Vernon also emphasizes the value of mentorship and the diverse opportunities that a law degree can provide.
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Vernon W. Thomas is a multifaceted attorney and entrepreneur based in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from Southern University Law School in 2009 after completing his undergraduate studies in fine arts and English at Dillard University. Inspired by his father, who was also an attorney and a 1979 graduate of Southern University Law Center, Vernon pursued a legal career that allowed him to combine his analytical skills with a passion for helping others.
"My father came to me and told me that, look, you're very good at analyzing words and you like to read. I wanted the law school to probably be the best thing for you," shares Vernon Thomas on You Are A Lawyer.
In addition to his legal practice, Vernon serves as a judge advocate in the United States Army Reserves, having completed multiple active duty stints. His legal career encompasses a range of experiences, including working as a municipal prosecutor and running a private criminal defense practice. He has also been involved in complex litigation and mass tort cases, having inherited his father's law firm alongside his brother. His journey reflects a commitment to both his family legacy and his own professional development.
Vernon Thomas chose to attend law school largely due to the influence of his father, who recognized Vernon's analytical skills and passion for reading. His father, an attorney himself, encouraged Vernon to pursue a legal career, believing that it would allow him to make a significant impact. His father’s encouragement, combined with a strong family legacy in law, set Vernon on a path that he felt was both natural and fulfilling.
"Law school provided me an opportunity to not only get a thorough background in case law... but also understand the individuals that I'm going to be representing," reflects Vernon Thomas on Episode 167 of You Are a Lawyer.
During his time at Southern University Law School, Vernon found that the education he received was instrumental in honing his skills for practical application in the legal field. He appreciated the balance of theoretical knowledge and real-world practice, which he believed was crucial for his career. This comprehensive approach to legal education not only prepared him for the challenges of practicing law but also reinforced his commitment to the profession, allowing him to effectively evaluate cases and represent clients with confidence.
A law degree opens up a multitude of career paths beyond traditional legal practice. As Vernon Thomas highlighted in his conversation, law school serves as a gateway into various fields, allowing graduates to explore opportunities in areas such as criminal defense, municipal prosecution, and even entertainment law. This versatility enables graduates to apply their legal knowledge in diverse settings, whether in private practice, government roles, or even entrepreneurial ventures.
"You don't even have to practice law, per se, when you get out of law school. Just get the law degree," explains Vernon Thomas, on this episode of You Are a Lawyer.
A law degree equips individuals with critical analytical skills that are applicable in numerous professions. Thomas shared his experience as a municipal prosecutor and a private criminal defense attorney, illustrating how he combines his legal expertise with his entrepreneurial spirit. He noted that understanding the law can lead to opportunities in fields like entertainment, where legal knowledge is essential for navigating contracts and intellectual property issues.
In this episode, the discussion highlights the growing trend of lawyers engaging in side hustles alongside their primary legal practices. Vernon exemplifies this by balancing his role as a municipal prosecutor with a private criminal defense practice. This dual approach not only allows him to diversify his income but also enriches his legal experience. By managing both responsibilities, he gains insights from different areas of law, which ultimately enhances his effectiveness as an attorney.
“The municipal prosecution job... is part-time... and then because I'm part-time, I'm allowed to have my private criminal defense practice,” shares Vernon Thomas in Episode 167 of You Are a Lawyer.
Thomas's involvement in the Cutting Edge Music Conference illustrates how lawyers can leverage their expertise in niche markets, such as entertainment law, to create additional opportunities. This conference serves as a platform for legal professionals to connect with others in the entertainment industry, providing valuable insights into the complexities of intellectual property and agency relationships. By engaging in such side ventures, lawyers can not only expand their professional networks but also explore their passions outside of traditional legal work. This multifaceted approach to a legal career can lead to greater job satisfaction and a more robust understanding of the law's application in various contexts.
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Vernon Thomas is licensed to practice law in the State of Louisiana.
Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.
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