From Intern to Data Privacy Counsel featuring Terrance Pryor

Terrance Pryor shares his inspiring journey from a career in IT at General Motors to transitioning into the legal field, all while pursuing his law degree part-time. Through his determination and strategic planning, Terrance navigated through various roles in data privacy and DevOps, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel in different areas of expertise. Join us as Terrance reflects on his experiences and the pivotal moments that shaped his career path.

LISTEN TO LEARN

The importance of being open to new opportunities and being proactive in pursuing them.
The significance of setting intentions and working towards specific goals, even if the path may not be straightforward.
The benefits of exploring different areas of interest and being open to unexpected career opportunities.

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WE ALSO DISCUSS

The journey of transitioning from a career in IT to a legal role, including the challenges and successes along the way.
The intersection of IT and law, particularly in areas like data privacy and legal analytics.
The role of networking and building rapport with professionals in different fields to facilitate career transitions.

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From Intern to Data Privacy Counsel featuring Terrance Pryor

About This Episode

Terrance Pryor’s Background

Terrance Pryor, a driven and determined individual, has navigated a unique and inspiring career path that showcases his adaptability and perseverance. Starting his journey with a background in IT at General Motors, Terrance later pursued a law degree while working full-time, demonstrating his commitment to personal and professional growth. His transition from IT to law was not a conventional one, but Terrance's strategic approach and willingness to explore new opportunities led him to discover the intersection of law and technology, particularly in the field of data privacy.

"I kind of don't want to gloss over that period of, you know, I'm done playing football to let me go get a job. That really was a tough period. That was a really, really tough period in my life because... I really built an identity and kind of laid out this vision for what I thought my life was going to be based off of that sport," shares Terrance Pryor on You Are A Lawyer.

In his pursuit of knowledge and growth, Terrance delved into electives in data privacy and legal analytics during law school, recognizing the potential for innovation and advancement in the merging fields of law and technology. His proactive approach to seeking out opportunities and his ability to adapt to new challenges have been key factors in his professional development. Terrance's story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination in carving out a successful career path that aligns with his passions and aspirations.

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Why Law School

Terrance chose to pursue law school as a means to merge his passion for sports with his growing interest in the intersection of law and technology. Initially working in IT at General Motors, Terrance saw the potential for a unique career path that combined his technical skills with legal expertise.

"I kind of wanted to see maybe be a sports agent or something along those lines right or to kind of be a just a sports attorney. So that's kind of why I started to go into law school. And then I just needed a job when I started at General Motors and IT in January of 2015," reflects Terrance Pryor on Episode 139 of You Are a Lawyer.

As he delved into law school, taking electives in data privacy and legal analytics, Terrance realized the opportunities that lay ahead in the field of law and technology. His decision to enter law school was not just about becoming a sports attorney but about exploring the emerging field of data privacy and cyber law.

What Can You Do with a Law Degree

With a law degree, there are various career paths one can pursue, as demonstrated by Terrance Pryor's journey. From transitioning from IT to legal roles at General Motors to exploring data privacy and legal analytics, a law degree opens up opportunities beyond traditional legal practice. Terrance's experience showcases that a law degree can lead to roles in technology, data privacy, and even sports law.

"I wanted to explore different aspects of myself other than the sport and see how else I can expand," explains Terrance Pryor, on this episode of You Are a Lawyer.

Terrance's story emphasizes that with a law degree, individuals can venture into unique and evolving areas such as data privacy, technology, and analytics. As he discovered the intersection of law and IT, he found new opportunities to blend his legal knowledge with technology. This demonstrates that a law degree can provide a foundation for roles that require a combination of legal expertise and technical skills.

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Lawyer Side Hustles

Side hustles for lawyers can be a great way to diversify income and explore different interests outside of the legal field. Terrance Pryor's journey from IT to law school and eventually landing a role as in-house counsel at General Motors showcases the potential for lawyers to pursue side businesses in various industries.

“I was always advocating for people. I was always taking up for people who didn't really know how to take up for themselves,” shares Terrance Pryor in Episode 139 of You Are a Lawyer.

Lawyers, like Terrance, demonstrate the importance of having a multifaceted career and exploring different opportunities beyond traditional legal roles. Side businesses can provide lawyers with additional skills, experiences, and financial stability. As Terrance's journey shows, combining legal expertise with other interests can lead to unique career paths and opportunities.

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