Job Responsibilities
Attorney-Lorain, Ohio
Sole practitioner, practicing primarily in the areas of criminal
and domestic relations and civil litigation. Prepare legal
pleadings, motions and briefs for court filings. Represent clients
in Domestic Relations Court, Lorain County Court of Common Pleas
and numerous Municipal Courts. Serve as a court appointed
arbitrator and mediator on a variety of civil law suits. Prepare
Appellate briefs for indigent defendants as appointed by the
judges of the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas. Negotiate and
settle clients?? cases where appropriate. Interview witnesses and
parties, including law enforcement personnel in preparation for
court. Adjunct Professor Criminal Justice Program-Local
University.
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Job Requirements
Undergraduate degree B.A. Ohio State University, International
Relations
Law Degree Cleveland Marshall School of Law Part-time evening program
I worked for 15 years in the Federal Government and attended law
school part-time in the evenings. My position as a Federal Law
Enforcement Investigator was significantly helpful in my criminal
and administrative lawl studies. Cleveland Marshall School of Law
has an excellent evening program designed to assist adult learners
whom wish to earn a legal degree while maintaining a full-time job.
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Uppers
As a sole practitioner I do have control over my schedule and the clients whom I
choose to represent.
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Downers
I do not have another attorney in my office to cover a hearing if
I become ill.
Additionally,the cost of health insurance for a sole practitioner
my age is prohibitive. Nor do I have any other benefits such a
retirement, paid memebership to state and local Bar Associations,
I also pay for my own continuing legal seminars as required by the
Supreme court of Ohio. All of these requirements add up to a
significant cost annually.
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Lifestyle
My work hours usually are Monday to Friday, 8 to 5. I often do have to work
evenings to prepare for a contested hearing the next morning.
The dress is always professional. However I do enjoy meeting diverse
individuals and interacting with the legal community. I get satisfaction from
assisting my clients, many whom are indigent with their legal problems. Most of
my clients are greatful to be treated with dignity and compassion.
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Compensation
I earn my compensation from private paying clients, and from Court
appointments. I also teach part-time in aan evening Criminal
Justice Program. Therefore my compensation is totally up to me and
based on my workload.
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Advice to Jobseekers
I would advise a legal student to research the legal market
extensively. Most attorneys do not earn as much money as the
public perceives.
The most successful attorneys whom I know are in a speciality such
as patent law, tax law or corporate law which all require
significant undergraduate education in business or engineering.
In my county the other successful attorneys seem to be employed by
small law firms and often have a family connection and generations
of political influence. I do work in a semi rural county which has
experienced a continuing recession and job growth is negative.
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