This week in the Law School Insider we are bringing you Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, Michigan State Senator for the 26th State Senate District which represents Allegan and Van Buren counties, and the city of Kentwood and Gaines Twp. in Kent County.
As lawyers you are taught to think broadly about the issues and think critically. As she says "an's" and "or's" make a big difference and through law school you are taught this.
Senator Tonya Schuitmaker practiced law in private practice for 10 years and she found that this effected her greatly as a legislature. The transition from lawyer to legislator is similar, you are just serving a bigger client. You have to be able to articulate why you do what you do and why laws are made.
Senator Tonya Schuitmaker stated that have to be to articulate things well to your clients and she found this to be the case in her career in the past and present. You have to have rationale reasons and be able to explain this well as a legislator. having open communication as an attorney is also important. Returning phone calls and talking to your clients about what is happening when it happens will help you find success.
Even if someone does not agree with you, if you provide a solid rationale behind your decision making they can then appreciate the logic even though they may not always agree.
Senator Tonya Schuitmaker had a father who was an attorney and a mother who was a social worker so she saw the law from different points of view and this showed up at her home dinner table too. She had an interest in government and received a business degree. She found at the end of the time in her undergraduate experience that law school was something that she was drawn to.
Senator Tonya Schuitmaker said that as a law student you need to find an area of the law that you are passionate about because then it will become something that you will love. You need to get exposed to the law in numerous types of locations. Also, you should find ways to get involved in your legal and personal communities to give back to others.
Law School helps you hone your oral arguments as well as the written word. Law school will help you to be a stronger writer. The lessons and black letter law that you learn in law school are applicable to your life as a lawyer but also in your personal life too. The law is a very practical degree, even if you do not go our and practice.
Senator Tonya Schuitmaker offered to be a resource for all of you. She generously offered to take your calls at: (517) 373-0793 or you can email her. She even explained that she and her colleagues in the Michigan State House and Senate are always willing to have interns too! Take advantage of this offer!
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Are you a practicing lawyer? A law student? Would you like to be a guest on an upcoming episode of the Law School Insider or do you have a topic you would like to hear about? Send me an email at lawschoolinsider@cooley.edu