I am a practicing attorney and it feels good. And I think "practicing" is a good term to use because I am not very good at it yet. But that is okay because it is all pro bono, volunteer time.
I have a regular gig at the Eastside Legal Assistance Program on Friday mornings and my special project is going to be running the self-help dissolution workshops for uncontested divorces. This means that I will help couples file for divorce in situations where there are no issues for a court to resolve, and in most cases, no kids. The lesson: kids=issues+conflict (unfortunately).
I get to work with some great people there. One in particular I could see as my attorney life mentor. She has two kids and she took 18 months off work each time. She handles primarily the domestic violence cases.
And in other matters, people are starting to refer their friends to me who need help with legal issues. I don't know a lot (with respect to the amount of information that I COULD know), but it is amazing how the little that I do know, applies in all sorts of situations. Sometimes people just want someone to listen to them and keep them calm and to sort out their thoughts.
It feels good. It makes the rest of my mommy life a lot more enjoyable to know that I am doing something with my education, and I think it will provide a good example to my daughter to see her mom working a little in the community. It certainly gets the monkey off my back (you know, that monkey that keeps whispering in your ear "why did you go to law school, why did you go to law school...")
and the great thing is, this is exactly why I went to law school! I went there with the intention to be a public interest attorney-- to help people and families in need. Granted, the bulk of my time will be spent helping to dissolve marriages...but I can't be picky right now!
and a thank you to my husband, who is able to provide for our family, so that I can work for free!
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3 days ago
3 comments:
Regardless of actually 'working' your education will most definitely bless your children. We are instructed to gain as much education as we can. Following that counsel, you already are an excellent example. I plan on going back to work occasionally once all my kiddos are all in school. However, my degree is in Education. So I can pick and choose when I want to work with subbing. ;) I don't aspire to teach full time until there are no kids at home. Then again, I will revisit that notion when the time comes.
That's awesome, Rachael! I'm so glad you are doing something with your education. And sounds like you are putting good social work skills to use. :) I hope that I'll be able to do something like that on the side so I can keep my skills up an have some balance in my life.
So glad you are doing this! It will be fun to use your legal smarts again.
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