|
Attorney
By
Attorney
Career Profiles of the Profession
Who?
Name:
George R. Ripplinger, Jr.
george@ripplingerlaw.com
What?
Primary Practice Area & Subspecialty Fields:
Plaintiff's Personal Injury, Legal, Medical and Other Professional Malpractice.
When?
Years in Practice Area:
Since 1970
Years in the Legal Profession:
Since 1970
Where?
Employer:
Ripplinger & Zimmer LLC
www.ripplingerlaw.com
Size/Sector:
2
City/State:
Belleville, IL
|
Law School:
University of Illinois
Undergraduate School/Degree:
University of Illinois, AB in Political Science
Other Post-Graduate Education:
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
|
Why?
Pluses/Challenges of Practice Area:
Interesting, constantly changing area of practice. Must become familiar with many other professions.
Challenges: Cash flow can be erratic; large investments required for case costs & expenses; cases take years to complete;
constant deadlines
Core Skills/Key Knowledge Needed in Your Practice Area:
Must be able to communicate orally and in writing; must have research
skills and be able to handle stress.
Advice to Lawyers and Law Students Interested in Your Practice Area:
Talk to some practitioners in the area before you commit; develop good people skills.
How?
Career Path to Current Position:
Associate in firm in practice area for 3 years; Solo & Small Firm owner/partner ever since.
Influences and Mentors:
JFK; Professor/Judge Premice Marshall.
Suggested Reading About Your Practice Area:
To Kill a Mockingbird.
Job Search Techniques Used in Finding Your Position(s):
Write letters with resumes, follow-up with phone call to make appointment. Don't restrict search to large or AV firms; BV firms with young senior partners good bet if local Judges recommend.
Bar Affiliations and Activities:
Chair, ABA GP, Solo & Small Firm Section; 9 years in House of
Delegates; Board of Advocates, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association;
Past Secretary and 9 years member of Board of Governors, Illinois
State Bar Association.
Recent Professional Publications:
Co-author w/ Drake, Holley & Rose: Trial Advocacy in Illinois; National Business Institute
(Chapters on : Initial Considerations, Opening Statement).
Recent Professional Presentations:
Cross Examination of Experts at Deposition & Trial (ISBA), Marketing for the Solo Practitioner & Small Firm (ABA).
Memorable Career Moment:
Opening my own office.
Intriguing Interests:
Travel; skiing; backpacking; golf.
|