by RICH CASSIDY on DECEMBER 17, 2011
Here is a change of pace: A Guest Post from Holly Kearny–
“Everyone knows law school isn’t easy, and becoming a practicing attorney can be just as hard. But did you also know that there are many people who used a career as an attorney as a stepping stone to bigger and better things? To prove it, we have gathered a list of ten people who began life as lawyers.
1. Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi – One of the most recognizable and revered names in non-violent change actually had a career as an attorney. He studied law in London and eventually moved to South Africa to practice law. He also began his work in non-violent civil disobedience when he saw the Indian community’s struggle for human rights.
2. Abraham Lincoln – One of the greatest presidents in history, Lincoln was a lawyer before he was president and a politician before he was a lawyer. While serving on the Illinois legislature, Lincoln completed studies to become a lawyer in 1837. He joined a law firm and spent most of his time working there until elected president in 1860. His technique in practicing law was to speak slowly to juries and make his points clearly rather than focusing on the technical aspects of the law.
3. Thomas Jefferson – The third President of the United States and the author of the Declaration of Independence also belongs on the list. He studied law at William and Mary College and was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1767. In addition to law and politics, Jefferson also made accomplishments as an agronomist, musician, scientist, philosopher, author, architect, and inventor.
4. Barack Obama – Our current president used to be a practicing attorney, as many politicians have. He entered Harvard Law School in 1988 to become a civil rights attorney and took a position with the Chicago firm of Miner, Barnhill & Galland. He was also the first black president of the Harvard Law Review.
5. Bill Clinton – Another American President, he too was a lawyer. His degree was earned from Yale University in 1973, where he met his future wife Hillary, who would also become a lawyer. Three years later, Clinton was elected to be the Attorney General of Arkansas, which would be a huge stepping stone in his political career.
6. Robert Louis Stevenson – This famous novelist is from Scotland and is best known for books like “Treasure Island” and “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” As a young man, he wanted to become a writer, but his father pressured him into studying law. He studied at Edinburgh University and was given a license in 1875 but preceded with his desire to become a writer instead.
7. John Grisham – He is the best-selling author who can be referred to as the Stephen King of the legal thriller. With books such as “The Firm” and “The Client,” Grisham’s work isn’t all made up. He gets his wealth of legal experience from his education at the University of Mississippi School of Law and his background in practicing criminal law.
8. Geraldo Rivera – Now a political commentator, the former talk show host also has something in common with the above. He graduated from Brooklyn Law School in 1969 and practiced in the civil rights area for Puerto Rican activism. It was when he was interviewed about a case that his career in television began.
9. Jerry Springer – Not to be out done by his talk show hosting counterpart above, Springer also brought a knowledge of the law to daytime television, along with the most recognizable first name after Oprah. He earned a law degree from Northwestern University in 1968 and worked at a Cincinnati law firm. He was elected to city council in 1971 and began a career in broadcasting after.
10. John Cleese – He took performing skills learned in the courtroom to the stage. This lawyer turned actor got his law degree from Downing College in the UK. Instead of practicing, he decided to take a role in Monty Python’s Flying Circus. He would go onto star in major films including the Shrek, Harry Potter, and James Bond movies.”
Holly Kearny manages the site Teaching Degree. Her site helps students find the right college to get a teaching degree.
Thanks Holly!