Finding Success in the Legal Field with a Technology Background feat. Devin Zito

Devin Zito, a technology professional and lawyer, shares his unique journey from running his own IT company to becoming the Director of Information Services and Corporate Counsel at Assurance Financial Group. He discusses the intersection of technology and law, the value of a legal education in various industries, and the importance of embracing non-traditional paths to career success.

LISTEN TO LEARN

  • The value of a legal education and opportunities it provides
  • The importance of scholarships and grants
  • Why balancing work and family life is important

WE ALSO DISCUSS

  • Attending law school while running a company
  • Balancing responsibilities and time management
  • Pursuing non-traditional career paths

Want to start a podcast?

Save time and create faster with KD Creative. KD Creative offers done-for-you podcasting services by launching podcasts for small business owners and editing podcasts for existing podcasters. 

If you’re ready to get your content in the ears of your ideal customers, start working with KD Creative. Visit skiptheboringstuff.com to hire a podcast coach.

Finding Success in the Legal Field with a Technology Background feat. Devin Zito

<iframe width="100%" height="180" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless src="https://share.transistor.fm/e/acde242b"></iframe>

Finding Success in the Legal Field with a Technology Background feat. Devin ZitoFinding Success in the Legal Field with a Technology Background feat. Devin Zito

About This Episode

Devin Zito’s Background

Devin Zito is a technology professional and lawyer based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With a background in computer information systems and programming, Devin started his own IT company before eventually selling it and transitioning into a career in law. He currently serves as the Director of Information Services and Corporate Counsel for Assurance Financial Group, an independent mortgage banking company.

"A legal education is invaluable. It's applicable to almost any industry and anything that I have done… It's just such a well-rounded broad degree that it's almost universal." emphasizes Devin Zito on You Are A Lawyer.

Devin's unique combination of technology expertise and legal knowledge allows him to lead both the IT and legal departments at Assurance Financial. In the podcast episode, Devin shares his journey from starting a tech company to attending law school and discusses the value of a legal education in various industries.

Why Law School

Devin chose to attend law school because it had always been his original intention. Despite his initial detour into the technology field, Devin's passion for law never wavered. He was encouraged by his wife to pursue his dream, and after several years of running his own technology company, he finally felt ready to take on the challenge of law school.

"I always thought maybe one day I would fall back to teaching, you know, undergrad or teaching law school or something. I just kind of thought about it as a later in life kind of thing. And then all of a sudden here I am going, wait, that's now I'm doing it now. I never thought that would be this soon." explains Devin Zito on episode 122 of You Are a Lawyer.

Devin's decision to attend law school was driven by his desire to combine his technology background with a legal education. He saw the potential in pairing these two fields and recognized the unique opportunities it could bring. He believed that a legal education was invaluable and applicable to almost any industry. Devin's choice to pursue law school was a strategic move to enhance his career prospects and broaden his skill set.

What Can You Do with a Law Degree

Devin Zito's journey with a law degree is a testament to the power of embracing one's unique interests and skill sets. With a background in technology and entrepreneurship, Devin found a way to seamlessly integrate his passion for both fields. After starting his own successful tech company, he decided to pursue his long-held dream of attending law school. Armed with his computer information systems degree and a drive to explore the intersection of technology and law, Devin embarked on a non-traditional path that would lead him to become a technology professional and lawyer.

"Pairing a technology background with a legal background. There's nobody out there doing that." said Devin Zito on You Are A Lawyer.

As the Director of Information Services and Corporate Counsel at Assurance Financial Group, Devin leverages his technology background to lead the company's IT department while also providing legal counsel. His expertise in both areas allows him to navigate the complex landscape of technology and law, ensuring that Assurance Financial remains at the forefront of innovation and compliance. Devin's ability to bridge the gap between these two fields has not only set him apart but has also opened up new opportunities for growth and success. Through his unique journey, Devin proves that a law degree can be a powerful tool for those who dare to think outside the box and embrace their diverse interests.

Building a Tech Empire

Devin Zito's IT company was the result of his passion for technology and his background in computer information systems. Before attending law school, Devin embarked on a journey in the tech industry, eventually starting his own company. With a focus on programming and software development, Devin's company thrived for over a decade, providing innovative solutions to clients. His expertise in technology and programming laid the foundation for his future success in both the legal and IT fields.

"Prior to law school, I went to undergrad and did my undergrad in a computer information systems program. Instead of going straight to law school, like my brain told me I was going to do and my original intentions were, I ended up starting a career in technology." shared Devin on episode 122 of You Are A Lawyer.

Devin's IT company not only showcased his technical skills but also allowed him to forge connections with professionals in various industries. Through his company, he had the opportunity to work with Assurance Financial Group, a mortgage banking company based in Baton Rouge. This connection eventually led to his current role as the Director of Information Services and Corporate Counsel at Assurance Financial. Devin's IT background continues to be a valuable asset in his role, as he combines his legal knowledge with his technological expertise to lead the IT department and provide legal counsel to the company.

Join the FREE mailing list!

Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer. 

1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com

2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR

3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen

4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!

Contact Devin Zito

Devin Zito is licensed to practice in the state of Louisiana.

Learn more about Devin:  

Zito Law

LinkedIn

Interact with You Are A Lawyer

Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. 

Follow the podcast:

YouTube: youtube.com/@youarealawyer

Instagram: instagram.com/youarealawyer

Twitter:  twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: youarealawyer.com

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mbNPwyv8fQ4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Recent Episodes

How to Manage Your Finances and Money Mindset as a Lawyer feat. Rho Thomas

Rho Thomas explains the risks of entrepreneurship and why lawyers should adjust their money mindsets.
Read and listen here

How Sales Funnels Create Million Dollar Law Firms featuring Sam Mollaei

Sam Mollaei explains how sales funnels can work for law firms and the importance of mentorship as an entrepreneur.
Read and listen here

Multiple Career Changes Inspired Me to Become a Career Strategist featuring Michelle Thompson

Michelle Thompson explains why calming the nervous system can make you a better lawyer and the importance of listening to your mom.
Read and listen here

Why I Withdrew from the Bar Exam After Being Bullied Into Retaking It featuring Kate Dwyer

Kate Dwyer withdrew from the bar exam when she knew she was not ready to take it. In this episode, Kate explains why she trusted her gut and avoided toxic positivity surrounding the bar exam. The bar exam is a gatekeeping exam that keeps the undesirable lawyers away from becoming an attorney. Listen to learn why Kate had to trust herself and how the bar exam affects your mental health.
Read and listen here

LLM vs JD: An Argument for Alternative Legal Degrees featuring Morgyn Jones

Morgyn Jones explains why you shouldn’t let the fear of not having a JD limit your career prospects.
Read and listen here

Digital Creators Have Unique Legal Issues (And Lawyers Must Take Notice) featuring Jon Tobin

After working as a designer & software developer, Jon Tobin attended law school. With his creative background, he became a partner at Counsel for Creators to assist with copyrights, trademarks, licensing and other issues.
Read and listen here

How a Health Scare Made a Patent Prosecutor Change Careers featuring Krista Contino Saumby

Krista Contino Saumby explains how studying calculus in the fifth grade led to becoming a patent lawyer and the importance of mentoring new lawyers.
Read and listen here

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.
Read and listen here

How Maternity Leave Sparked a Real Estate Practice featuring Rebecca Larson

Rebecca Larson explains how her parents' divorce shaped her future and why she took the bar exam in multiple states despite hating the exam.
Read and listen here

Why I Switched Sides; From Prosecutor to Criminal Defense Counsel featuring Christon Halkiotis

Christon Halkiotis explains why she attends court every day and the importance of bringing kindness to the legal profession.
Read and listen here

How to Build a Career in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work feat. Jaya Saxena

Jaya Saxena explains how she uses her J.D. to create diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies for a global consulting brand.
Read and listen here

How To Start a Law Firm Right After Graduation featuring James Mattox III

James Mattox III explains why he opened a law firm immediately after law school and how law school removes limitations from each student.
Read and listen here

©2023 You are a Lawyer LLC.
All rights reserved.