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Attorney
By
Attorney
Career Profiles of the Profession
Who?
Name:
Elizabeth A. Ellis
eellis@wppost.depaul.edu
What?
Primary Practice Area & Subspecialty Fields:
Assistant Dean and Director of Law Career Services
When?
Years in Practice Area:
Since 1999
Years in the Legal Profession:
Since 1996
Where?
Employer:
DePaul University College of Law
http://www.law.depaul.edu/career
Size/Sector:
Legal Education
City/State:
Chicago, IL
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Law School:
Valparaiso University School of Law
Undergraduate School/Degree:
Valparaiso University/International Economics & Cultural Affairs/Spanish (double major).
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Why?
Pluses/Challenges of Practice Area:
Law Career Services Offices across the nation receive a lot of negative press from students and alumni alike. Sometimes it can be challenging trying to maintain enthusiasm and energy for the services and programs you offer, especially if you feel your efforts aren't appreciated. However, no matter how many negative comments you may hear, whatever impact they might have is subsided upon hearing even one simple "Thank you, I really appreciate your help." Additional pluses are working close with the students and witnessing first-hand their development from timid and uncertain first-years into confident and successful graduates.
Core Skills/Key Knowledge Needed in Your Practice Area:
A grasp of the employment market and a good working relationship with employer representatives, the ability to work well with diverse groups of people, excellent communication and listening skills, strong writing and interpersonal skills, a nurturing and friendly disposition, lots of energy and creativity, and a desire to help others realize their professional goals.
Advice to Lawyers and Law Students Interested in Your Practice Area:
Talk with other professionals in the field and develop a network. Though the profession is large, we are a close-knit community, and many career opportunities are realized, as in my case, through internal referrals.
How?
Career Path to Current Position:
I clerked at a small law firm in Mexico City my first summer during law school and at a small law firm in Indianapolis my second summer. After graduation, I worked at Katten Muchin Zavis for two years and then at Miller Shakman Hamilton Kurtzon & Schlifke for one year before finally joining DePaul.
Influences and Mentors:
Gail Peshel, Stephanie Rever Chu.
Job Search Techniques Used in Finding Your Position(s):
Networking!
Bar Affiliations and Activities:
Member, ABA; Member, CBA; Co-chair, CBA/YLS Career Assistance Committee.
Recent Professional Publications:
"Allerton House Conference 2000: MDPs and the Legal Profession" in vol. 88, Illinois Bar Journal, November, 2000.
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