I Quit My Job to Take the Bar Exam (and Passed!) featuring Jay Coleman

Jay Coleman explains why he took the bar exam in multiple states and how he became a youth advocate. After testing in Tennessee, Maryland, and Arkansas, Coleman found success in the law in Kentucky.

LISTEN TO LEARN

What it means to be a youth advocate
How to create different resumes for different jobs
What is a JD preferred job

‍

WE ALSO DISCUSS

What does it mean to work in policy
How disabilities and bullying affect school aged kids
Quitting a job to take the bar exam

I Quit My Job to Take the Bar Exam (and Passed!) featuring Jay Coleman

About This Episode

Why Law School

Jay Coleman initially attended law school to become a prosecutor. However after law school, Jay moved to Maryland to work with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). After seeing how his writing and research affected bills, Coleman enjoyed seeing his work in law and how it impacted the country.

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Jay’s interest in policy caused him to seek a career in advocacy and he moved back to his home state.

The advocacy job was a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) preferred job. In this role, Jay works for the interests of children through a manifestation determination hearing. Jay ensures that schools abide by the individualized education plans (IEP) for students. With an IEP in place, a school cannot expel students without cause. While living and working in Kentucky, Jay learned that he passed the Tennessee bar exam.

Since working as a youth advocate, Coleman passed the Arkansas bar exam and believes that having his bar license allows him to move quicker or advance faster in his career.

Side Hustles for Lawyers

While deciding whether to take the bar exam again, Jay started a business, ColeScript Editing Services. Through ColeScript, Jay utilizes his love of grammar to edit resumes, papers, write biographies, and offer tutoring services.

Coleman is also interested in flipping houses and real estate. Growing up, Coleman saw his dad work on houses and Coleman was adamant that he would do something else. But, since buying his own house and remodeling it, Coleman is thinking about getting into real estate.

‍

‍

Lawyer Perseverance

Jay decided to take the bar exam one final time with the condition that he would not work and would give his time and energy to preparing for the exam. While waiting for the exam results, Jay applied for a job as a youth advocate in Covington, Kentucky.

As of the release of this episode, Jay Coleman is a staff attorney with the Center for Arkansas Legal Services in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Jay represents clients requesting guardianship of family members, predominantly issues with children. Jay also petitions the court to seal criminal cases, handles landlord/tenant issues, and represents clients who have been denied access to public benefits.

At the release of this episode, Jay Coleman is a staff attorney with the Center for Arkansas Legal Services in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Jay represents clients requesting guardianship of family members, predominantly issues with children. Jay also petitions the court to seal criminal cases, handles landlord/tenant issues, and represents clients who have been denied access to public benefits.

Currently, Jay Coleman is the owner of the J. Paul Coleman in Arkansas. Don’t take the fall, just call Jay Paul. Email Jay Coleman at jay@jpaulcolemanlaw.com for legal assistance.

‍

Contact Jay Coleman

Jay Coleman is licensed in the state of Tennessee and Arkansas. You may follow Jay Coleman on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpcoleman_law/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frijidayre_esq/

Contact Jay Coleman at colescript@gmail.com to request editing services.

‍

Engage with You Are A Lawyer

You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_eB5OebHvATnld4TFekX1g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarealawyer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

‍‍

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Review Kyla’s favorite books here: https://amzn.to/3OTfrrZ

‍

Join the FREE mailing list!

Get behind-the-scenes content from Kyla.

‍

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)!

‍

‍

Recent Episodes

Why Law Associates Hate Law Firms (and What Lawyers Can Do About It) featuring Frank Ramos

Frank Ramos believes in sharing his legal knowledge with others. As the creator of Miami Mentor, Frank offers free resources, trainings, books, and coaching to lawyers who feel stuck in their careers. After working in law firms for 23 years, Frank Ramos has learned a lot about what makes a great lawyer, what runs lawyers away from the practice, and what motivates lawyers. Frank has authored 18 books, hosted a podcast, and works as a partner in a product liability firm.

Read and listen here

FAQs about Podcasting and Guest Bookings featuring Kyla Denanyoh

In this bonus episode, Kyla Denanyoh answers frequently asked questions from the podcast audience and social media posts.

Read and listen here

How Yoga Helps Law Students Pass the Bar Exam featuring Dana Shaker

Dana Shaker explains her motivation to take the bar exam in two states and the importance of yoga for lawyers.

Read and listen here

How Energy Affects Your Work Performance as a Lawyer featuring Emily Hirsekorn

Emily Hirsekorn explains how coaching takes you from functional to optimal and the importance of shifting workplace relationships to have your best career.

Read and listen here

How To Leverage Legal Skills in Marketing feat. Alban Brooke

Alban Brooke, former attorney and technology specialist who is currently the head of marketing for a podcasting company called Buzzsprout, delves into the journey of transitioning from a career in law to content creation in this episode. From discussing the impact of perfectionism from the legal field to the challenges faced in law school, Alban shares insights on how his background in law has influenced his approach to marketing and content creation. Tune in to discover how Alban's experiences in law have shaped his current endeavors in the world of content creation.

Read and listen here

Why Pre-Law Students Need Mentors (and Practicing Lawyers Too!) featuring Anjie Vichayanonda

Anjie Vichayanonda explains her experiences as a first generation law student and the importance of leveraging your professional network to benefit pre-law students.

Read and listen here

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.

Read and listen here