A STEP BACK. A STEP FORWARD. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”
By: Ginger Pyron
Robbins 09L
Before law school: Two years as a defense analyst in Washington, D.C.
Deferral: Dewey & LeBoeuf, New York; opted for four-months’ deferral vs. 12 months in public interest at half salary
Current work: DeKalb County District Attorney’s office, doing white-collar litigation. “I saw a listing at Emory and also knew Matt McCoyd [93L], a brilliant assistant D.A. and one of my coaches in Emory’s Mock Trial program.”
A step back: “We have to take a step back and realize that the law is a business as well as a profession. That’s a concept that every law student needs to understand.”
A step forward: “The recession has given me an opportunity I wouldn’t have had otherwise, one that I hope will make me a better attorney.”
— Andrew Robbins 09L
“I got a chance to start over”
Before law school: BBA in international business, focus on finance. “Law school offered a new intellectual challenge.”
Layoff: Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, New York; one-year sabbatical, 1/3 salary & full benefits
Current work: Research fellow, Vale Columbia Center on Sustainable International Investments. “I’m here, thanks to Professor Tina L. Stark at Emory and a pro bono project with Alicia Clifford at Cadwalader.”
A step back: “This is a chance to step back, take stock and consider what I’d like to do next.”
A step forward: “This experience has shown me that a law degree can be used in so many more ways than I ever thought possible. It has opened the door to many opportunities that I might not have originally considered right out of law school.”
— Jonathan Strauss 08L