Current Job: Junior associate at Renaud Cook Drury Mesaros PA in Phoenix, Arizona

How did you get your current job? I was working retail at one point when one of my friends suggested I apply to work as a bailiff/ law clerk for a trial judge in Maricopa County. I worked as a bailiff/law clerk for two different judges. Prior to my experience with the judges, I met a local attorney whom I kept in contact with for about a year. I think what ultimately helped me land the position was not only my courtroom experience but the professional network I established, which enabled me to hear about this position in the first place. In this economy what you know is as is important as you who you know; networking and establishing relationships are key.

What is the best part of your new job? The flexibility. This firm is very family-oriented, which I love. When you’re doing what you love, it doesn’t really feel like work.

Current Job:  State Representative for the Ohio 68th House District; Associate, Williams, Welser, Kratcoski and Can, LLC

How did you get your current job? In my first run for elective office, I was elected state representative to the Ohio General Assembly by the voters of the 68^th House District, which serves northern and southeastern Portage County. I am the youngest elected woman in the Ohio General Assembly and have been appointed to the House Finance & Appropriations, State Government & Elections, and Agriculture & Natural Resources Committees.

What’s a typical day like for you? It has been a wild ride these past six months as a State Representative in a state facing severe budget shortfalls and a change in leadership and direction. I’ve spent most weeks in Columbus, attending all-day floor sessions, as well as caucus and committee meetings, casting my vote on very complex issues. I squeeze in other meetings with constituents, staff members, interest groups and lobbyists — and often don’t get home until 10 or 11 p.m. I try to spend a couple of days a week in my district, holding Town Hall gatherings and working one-on-one with the people I represent. During the summer recess, I’ve also been working at the Kent firm of Williams, Welser, Kratcoski and Can, L.L.C., where I am an associate attorney.

What is the best part of your new job? As a state legislator, I’m the voice for nearly 130,000 Ohioans who live in my district. I’m their eyes and ears; I’m their heart; and I’m their conscience. As I carefully pore over hundreds of bills and cast my vote on their behalf, I take that responsibility very seriously — and I’ve relished the opportunity.

Current Job: Associate at Kennedy, Childs & Fogg, P.C. in Denver

How did you get your current job? I am now in my third legal job since I graduated just over four years ago. Every position has fed off the one before. I began as a clerk for a judge on the Colorado Court of Appeals, which I got by mailing out my resume and offering to fly myself out for an interview. With a helpful recommendation from that judge, I was hired for the next year by a justice on the Colorado Supreme Court. By the time that clerkship was ending, I had developed relationships with past clerks who worked at my current firm.

When you interview, you should learn as much as possible about the job you are seeking. If you can, find someone else that works there and buy them lunch before your interview to get their take on the job. I have heard many stories of interviewees who are lost on what the job duties would be, and those people do not get hired. Also, keep in mind that with smaller groups, often they care just as much about your qualifications as they do about how well you will fit on the team. You need to find common areas of interest during the interview.

What is the best part of your new job? The best part of my job is I do not sit behind a desk every day. Of course there are many days of drafting motions and sorting through records in my cases, but I am often out of the office in depositions, meetings with clients and witnesses, and at court hearings. I am fortunate that I work at a firm that demands I get real experience very quickly. This experience includes not only legal work but also developing client relationships, which are skills I can use anywhere I go.

Current Job: Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Tennessee

What’s a typical day like for you? One of the nice things about being an AUSA, is that no two days are the same, and it is often difficult to predict what will happen on any given day.

On most days, I meet with various agents (i.e., FBI, Secret Service, ATF, DEA) to discuss the progress of ongoing investigations. During those meetings, we discuss strategy, address possible legal issues, and review any evidence the agents may have obtained since our last meeting. I also usually have one or more appearances in U.S. District Court per day. Those court appearances can range from a simple initial appearance to a lengthy suppression hearing.

When I am not in court or in meetings, I am usually doing some sort of legal writing, such as writing a response to a defense motion, writing an appellate brief, writing a grand jury indictment, writing a search warrant affidavit, etc. If I have a significant hearing in the near future, I also devote a portion of my day to preparing for that hearing. Depending on what day of the week it is, I also may spend several hours presenting a case to the grand jury. It is a great job, and the days fly by.

What is the best part of your new job? It is an honor and privilege to serve as an AUSA. I can honestly say that when I leave the office most nights, I feel like I have made a difference.

It is unfortunate, but there are a lot of very dangerous and deceitful people in the world who have devoted their lives to harming and scamming others. I take great pride in doing all that I can to make our communities safer and to see that criminals are brought to justice. Although it sounds cliché, the job description of an AUSA is simple: to do justice. What better job description could there be?

Current Position: Associate at Keesal, Young & Logan in Seattle

How did you find this position? I researched litigation firms in Seattle and reached out to people at those firms to meet for coffee. I followed up on all leads people gave me and eventually found my way to my present firm.

Best part of your new job?  My practice is primarily maritime, which includes everything from oil spill response and groundings to international cargo disputes and death on the high seas. I like the novelty of the practice, the interesting legal questions it raises, and the opportunity to occasionally get out on a ship.

 Typical Day? Writing, writing and more writing, with the occasional argument, deposition, or investigation.