Panel advises future lawyers

Discussing everything from the pressure-cooker-like atmosphere of law firms to the social implications of television shows like The Practice, the John Marshall Pre-Law Honor Society held its annual fall panel discussion in Harrison House's rooftop lounge Tuesday night. Sean Carter, a third-year associate at the Cozen & O'Connor law firm, began by telling the 20 students gathered that summer clerkships "open doors" to futures in law firms, and also help people decide if law is the best profession for them. Carter explained that a clerkship is an "intellectual endeavor" which teachs students how to "act and think like lawyers." Peter Levin, a criminal defense attorney, reminded the audience that law requires one to "think very, very quickly." Levin, who is also a legal affairs reporter for radio and television stations including CNN and National Public Radio, covered many high-profile cases like those involving Rodney King and O.J. Simpson. Calling firms "pressure cookers," Dolores Spina, a former partner at Pepper, Hamilton & Scheetz and former professor of law at Villanova University who now specializes in medical malpractice defense litigation, highlighted some of the less-exciting aspects of law. For example, Spina mentioned "most [medical malpractice] cases are not valid cases of negligence." She added, however, that many doctors do not want the hassle of a court case, so they will often seek a financial settlement. Carter continued by explaining the time commitment that lawyers have because of their jobs. "Your week is devoted to your practice," and once in court you work "around the clock," he said. He added that young associates often work long hours, since "firms today may have set expectations of hours." Though this seems rough, Carter reminded the audience that a person's love for law can drive them to work those hours. And The Practice? Spina quickly denounced it, calling it "a soap opera. That's all it is." Carter agreed, saying, "They skip all the mundane aspects of practice." Although these law shows may at times be unrealistic, Levin noted their ability to teach law to the general public, stating that by watching these shows, "more people learn about the system and its laws" than they would have otherwise. At the end of the discussion, the audience had the opportunity to discuss law and ask panelists questions. In response to a question regarding the ethics of taking payment from criminals, Levin jokingly stated that "they go out and rob someone and then pay me in the evening." Like most of the attendees, College sophomore Nicole Caporino said she attended because, "I had just recently taken an interest in law, and I wanted to learn more about the legal profession." College senior Bernadette Spina added that the discussion was helpful "since they were all in different fields, and each person was able to give an overview of the profession."