This week in the Law School Insider we are bringing you Michael Eschelbach, Director of the Bureau of Tax Policy for the State of Michigan. Today we will be talking about his career in education and tax law as well as about things that you can do to find success in your legal career.
While Michael Eschelbach originally went into the law because of the possibility for future monetary gain, he came to find a passion for what he does!
One of the interesting twists in his career was his move into his current position as for about 20 years he worked in educational law with a primary focus on special education and construction law. His path to working in tax law was due to his connection to an understanding of financing of public schools in relation to the passing of Proposal A in Michigan. After many years of working in education law he was ready for a change and challenged himself with applying for a position that sounded interesting, but in reality came to be quite challenging in its' own right.
The position of Administrative Law Specialist that he was hired to do was to be over Michigan Sales and Use Tax and as Michael stated it took him about a year to become knowledgeable and conversant on topics related to this. He stayed in this position for 7-8 years and then continue to move up to his current position where he is today.
In thinking back on his own law school experience he reflected that he remembered a professor telling him and his classmates that law school helps you think like a lawyer. You are not going to learn everything that you need to know to be a lawyer while in law school. In Michael Eschelbach's view in law school you have to learn how to write, research, read and think like a lawyer. Michael mentioned that he wishes that he had participated more in activities like Moot Court competitions that would have prepared him more to be in the actual courtroom.
For someone that is going into the law Michael Eschelbach stated that you have to show enthusiasm and excitement about the legal field as you are looking for jobs within your career. On top of this you have to show quality communication skills and this only comes with much practice. Doing as much public speaking and writing as you can in law school will help you greatly in your career.
Did you like this interview? Do you have a question for Michael Eschelbach? Leave a comment below to let me know!
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
