How To Transition from Law School to Legal Career Success feat. Josue Jimenez

In this episode, Josue Jimenez, a law school administrator and attorney, takes us through his career trajectory, from working as a legal assistant in Michigan, to becoming the Assistant Director of Admissions at Campbell University School of Law. Josue reflects on his passion for helping prospective law students explore the path forward, and for working with first-generation students who might not have those options available at home. He also discusses his commitment to a community oriented law career, the impact it’s had on his journey, and the momentum he’s building with various initiatives he’s advising that will help be a sure-fire success for future law grads.

LISTEN TO LEARN

The journey of a law school graduate from student to law school administrator.
Insights on how to navigate the law school application process, especially for first-generation students.
Tips on how to effectively engage with prospective law students and the admissions process.

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WE ALSO DISCUSS

The significance of being involved in student organizations during law school.
The role of the Wallace Public Service Fellowship in shaping Josue's career path.
The launch of the First Generation Blueprint program aimed at supporting first-generation law students.

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How To Transition from Law School to Legal Career Success feat. Josue Jimenez

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About This Episode

Josue Jimenez’s Background

Josue Jimenez is a lawyer and law school administrator who moved from Los Angeles to Raleigh, North Carolina, and on to Charlotte, North Carolina, as a child, eventually graduating from high school in Charlotte. From there, Josue attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in international studies and religious studies. Josue went to law school in North Carolina as well. His initial plan was to go to medical school and become a doctor, but after spending a summer working with the homeless, he realized that his true interests lay in advocacy and law.

"I always wanted to help people. My parents wanted to make sure that we knew that there’s always people in need that you can help," shares Josue Jimenez on You Are A Lawyer.

Josue graduated cum laude from the Campbell University School of Law in 2017 and has served as a public service fellow and, currently, in the General Counsel’s Office for the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. He recently returned to Campbell Law as Assistant Director of Admissions, where he counsels prospective law students about the admissions process. As a first-generation law student and now administrator, Josue sees his role in counseling prospective students as a chance to connect with those who are overwhelmed about the path to law school.

Why Law School

Josue’s path to law school was paved by a lifelong commitment to service he first absorbed from his parents – the need to help people and to keep an eye out for those less fortunate. Growing up in Los Angeles and then moving to North Carolina, Josue was always attracted to advocacy work, and thought he might become a physician. He wanted to be an advocate for those with a lack of advocates.

"If you would have asked me my 1L year if I ever saw myself in higher ed or law school administration, I would have said no," reflects Josue Jimenez on Episode 161 of You Are a Lawyer.

His experience in law school at Campbell University solidified his commitment to the profession. He took a year off between undergrad and law school to work as a legal assistant at an immigration practice to see if it was an area he might like to pursue and eventually find work. It seems his time in law school prepared him for a career as an advocate, but also for the unexpected, when the doors opened to him landing back at his alma mater as an Assistant Director of Admissions.

What Can You Do with a Law Degree

As Josue Jimenez highlighted in the podcast, many law graduates find fulfilling roles in academia, public service, and various non-profit organizations. For instance, Josue transitioned from practicing law to becoming the Assistant Director of Admissions at Campbell University School of Law, where he advocates for prospective students and helps them navigate the admissions process. This shift illustrates how a law degree can lead to impactful positions in education and administration, allowing graduates to shape the future of the legal profession.

"There are so many things that you can do with your JD that so many people don't even know about," explains Josue Jimenez, on this episode of You Are a Lawyer.

This sentiment reflects the fact that a degree in law confers useful skills that can be transferred to work in policy-making, legal advising and community advocacy. They can do pro bono work like Josue’s, helping disenfranchised people without interrupting the flow of their legal careers. A law degree empowers graduates with critical thinking, advocacy and communication skills that are relevant in many professional contexts.

Lawyer Side Hustles

In many of the podcast episodes, guests have mentioned that they wanted to find a side hustle to diversify their income, pursue an interest, or to give back. For example, many lawyers do pro bono work or volunteer with nonprofits, which often helps these organizations while also helping the lawyer develop new skills and connections. Josue mentioned his involvement in "Know Your Rights clinics" and his desire to get more involved with pro bono projects, emphasizing the importance of using legal expertise to support underserved populations. This kind of work can be fulfilling and provide valuable experience that complements a lawyer's primary career.

“I try to encourage them to spend as much time reflecting on their why as much as possible,” shares Josue Jimenez in Episode 161 of You Are a Lawyer.

There also are various entrepreneurial activities that require legal skills, or allow lawyers to use their skills in some new way to create a side hustle. This could include providing legal consulting, creating an online course or writing legal content. When choosing a side hustle, it’s useful to first ask yourself what you truly want out of it. Thoughtful side projects can create opportunities for lawyers to engage with their communities and values in meaningful ways.