LAW AS A TOOL, NOT A DESTINATION Interview by Sue Van Der Hout
Statistically speaking women are considerably more likely than men to work in the public interest, other nonprofit and legal service organizations. Women In The Profession: Findings From The First Wave Of The After The JD Study (2007). Why?For many reasons, not the least of which is the desire to make their personal achievement a social benefit. Jocelyn Larkin went to law school knowing that her passion was the public interest, but by pursuing different opportunities and building her skills in a variety of environments she’s linked meaning, contribution, and intellect with a full life.
Care to share your legal journey?
I went to law school in order to do public interest work but I always understood that my career would not necessarily be linear. I’ve worked in many different work environments and my hours have fluctuated to reflect the other demands in my life. My career has run the gamut from a fellowship at a public interest group; employment for three years at a big law firm, followed by a job at a plaintiff´s employment firm; punctuated by two kids born within 17 months of one another. When my children were young, I took a few years to be with them but continued to work on contract projects several hours a week.
| I always understood that my career would not necessarily be linear. |
I always understood that my career would not be linear.
In 1995, I set up practice with two other women, but after a few years, we decided to go in different directions. For three years after that, I worked from home as a solo practitioner and was chair of a political organization, California Common Cause. When my kids went to school, I joined the Impact Fund, a non profit that supports lawyers who are bringing public interest impact litigation in the areas of civil rights, poverty and environmental justice. Initially I worked 50% time. As my kids got older, that increased to 80% time. The benefit is that I can have after-four time with my kids, drive them to their activities and help with their homework. This hasn’t preventing me from working on some major cases, including the gender discrimination case against Wal-Mart, which is the largest civil rights class action in history.
What have you loved about law?
I´ve always been passionate about writing. I’m always writing briefs and articles and recently I’ve been teaching writing to legal services lawyers. The other thing that I really love about my practice is the amazing network of colleagues that I have across the country. It’s great to be connected. When a question comes up, I can e-mail this brain trust and get brilliant answers in a matter of minutes.
| I´ve always been passionate about writing….The other thing that I really love about my practice is that amazing network of colleagues that I have across the country …….It’s great to be connected… |
Have you ever felt guilty about work-life balance?
I have never agonized about my decisions. I think it´s important to be there for my kids but I also need to be a strong role model for them. My sons think it is really cool that I have the skill set for dealing persuasively with tough issues. They´re proud that I´m not intimidated by difficult people and that I can articulate things in a way that makes sense to people;
| I never agonized about my decisions. I think it´s important to be there for my kids but I also need to be a strong role model for them. My sons think it is really cool that I have the skill set for dealing persuasively with tough issues. They’re proud… |
What advice would you give to young lawyers?
1. Be clear about your expectations and particularly what that means in terms of money. Big firms dangle money as an incentive. You have to make trade-offs to develop a career that is satisfying but allows you to live a balanced life. .
2. Choose a good partner - one who´s not stuck in the 1950s – who’s comfortable doing household related work; feels capable handling the kids; who doesn’t have an all-consuming job; and shares your vision of family life.
3. Always keep one hand, or at least a fingernail in the profession. Many women go to big firms, become disenchanted, and then leave to have a baby. They stay home and disengage from the practice of law entirely. Once they’re ready to return, they struggle to work their way back in. It´s incredibly important to find ways to stay connected to your professional network.
| Be clear about your expectations…. Choose a good partner … Always keep one hand, or at least a fingernail, in the profession when you take time off to have children. |
06.11.2007
Print Version»
Tell a Friend»
All articles » Subscribe»
