Where Are They Now? Following Up with 3 Recent UB Law Graduates
Published July 29, 2021
What comes after law school graduation? You’ve gone to the classes, made friends and future colleagues, participated in student groups and organizations, completed final exams and then finally passed the bar. Your law career is about to begin, but where will you go? You could work at a large firm, start a private practice, give back at a not for profit, serve as in-house counsel for a corporation…the options are seemingly endless.
Whether you're in the early stages of applying to law school or have a few semesters in the books, it doesn't hurt to think about what happens post-graduation. Back in 2019, three third-year law students were featured in our admissions video titled Education in action.
We recently caught up with Orlando Dickson '19, Jacob Eckenrode '19, and Melissa Kathan '19 to discuss their paths post-graduation, how UB helped prepare them for their careers, and what advice they’d lend to current and future UB Law students.
Orlando Dickson '19
After experiencing homelessness and poverty in his youth, Orlando managed to succeed with the help of family and government programs. He served nine years in the U.S. Army in both Iraq and Afghanistan, whereafter Orlando joined UB Law and became involved in public advocacy work. He was recognized as an Open Buffalo Emerging Leader in 2017. He has served as a community health worker, a senior member of the Buffalo Police Advisory Board, a board director for Housing Opportunities Made Equal and a group leader for the Breaking Barriers program.
Where are you practicing now and what areas of law are you specializing in? Did you know you would end up in that area when you first started law school?
I currently work as a Professor of Criminal Justice at Medaille College in Buffalo. I had no idea I would end up as a professor. My original goal was to become a civil rights attorney but once I understood the justice system a bit better, I focused on what I could do with a law degree outside of working in a court room. I worked for a local non-profit on social justice issues treating the underlying conditions that commonly lead folks to criminality. Through that work I taught civic education classes for three years and realized that I truly love teaching. I started working as an adjunct professor at Medaille College teaching perspectives of social justice and soon enough they called me in for a full-time position.
How did your time at UB Law prepare you for your current position?
The two biggest lessons UB Law taught me were how to think critically and how to be objective by focusing on the facts. Although there was no distinct class called Critical Analysis, the faculty incorporated it into their teaching. I learned it without even realizing I was learning it. I can now actively and skillfully conceptualize and evaluate information rather than think superficially. By focusing on the facts, it’s allowed me to overcome biased thinking and make intuitive reactions.
When you were approaching law school graduation, did you have your current job lined up?
I was a paid intern at a local non-profit during my last year of law school. I asked my boss about six months before graduation if they could offer me a full-time position and my boss responded “absolutely.” I worked there for three years and then through connections I made and the work that I did there I gained my current job as a Professor of Criminal Justice.
What is one thing law school couldn’t prepare you for?
Law school could not prepare me for the injustices that still exist within the criminal justice system. Law school doesn’t specifically focus on the issues of the day but during some lessons they will come up or you will come across them during your research. I’ve learned that the “criminal justice system” has a long way to go before it earns the “justice” part of its title. Hopefully as a professor I will play a part in helping make that happen.
What advice would you give to current and prospective UB law students?
My advice is simple but different for both. I’ll start with the prospective student. If you are a prospective student, understand that law school is difficult but very rewarding. Don’t think that your only option is to become a practicing attorney. Chart your own path to success but do your research.
For the current UB Law students, understand the power of organization, sacrifice, and friendship. Staying organized is the key to getting all your reading done and being prepared for class. Sacrificing your time and energy is the key to making it through all the grueling years. Leaning on good friends and family is how you make it out while maintaining your mental health and mental health is very important.
Jacob Eckenrode '19
Before ending up at his current firm, Jake worked for the South Carolina Department of Social Services handling abuse and neglect cases for both child and adult protective services. He earned a BS in Kinesiology from the University at Brockport in Rochester in 2014 before joining UB Law. During his free time, he practices kickboxing and jiu-jitsu and reads on the beach.
Where are you practicing now and what areas of law are you specializing in? Did you know you would end up in that area when you first started law school?
I am at a firm called Stotler Hayes in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. We’re a nationwide boutique firm that operates nearly completely remotely, with the only brick-and-mortar office being the one here in Pawleys. We handle litigation and collection for long-term care providers nationwide. I definitely did not know that this is where I would end up, but it ended up being the perfect blend of exciting litigation and work-life balance that seems to be rare in the field.
How did your time at UB Law prepare you for the rigors of real-life legal practice?
My time at UB Law taught me how to effectively balance and budget my time to work when I am at work and play when I am at play, which has carried over tremendously into practice to allow me to thrive in both work and my personal life. UB, especially my trial team experiences, taught me how to make the best use of my time by identifying the critical aspects of cases and hone-in on both the urgent and important issues. This has helped me plan my days and weeks in a way that maximizes my impact on the cases I am working without wasting time.
When you were approaching law school graduation, did you have your current job lined up?
I did not have a job lined up. I knew I was moving to South Carolina and that it would take time to transfer my bar score and be licensed here. I submitted a ton of applications, followed up on those applications, and followed up on those follow-ups! You have to be tenacious to be successful at any area of law.
What is one thing law school couldn’t prepare you for?
How long everything in the legal field takes. Schedule your deadlines, but work hard to be so far ahead of them that you never need them. Assume everyone else will be submitting last minute, and never let them make the same assumption for you. Follow-up often and be willing to risk being annoying to get things done. Try to develop a rotation and touch your cases often.
What advice would you give to current and prospective UB law students?
Enjoy it! It might be hard work to learn but it’s the only time you’ll ever be able to learn as much as you want without having to justify the time spent doing it. Take your doctrinal classes seriously but take as many practical courses as you can, and ASK QUESTIONS!
Melissa Kathan '19
Before practicing at her current firm, Melissa completed internships with the U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit (for the Hon. Richard C. Wesley), SAG-AFTRA and the Erie County District Attorney's Office, and also served as a law clerk with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York. Before obtaining her JD, Melissa graduated with honors from UB with a degree in political science and management. During her time at UB Law, she was actively involved with SUNY’s Student Assembly and served as SUNYSA vice president.
Where are you practicing now and what areas of law are you specializing in?
I practice Labor, Employment, & Education Law at Hodgson Russ LLP. While based in Buffalo, I have clients all around New York State, the United States, Canada, and Europe. I work directly with employers, including school districts, municipalities, start-ups, mid- and large-sized entities on a variety of employee- and student-facing issues.
Did you know you would end up in that area when you first started law school?
When I started law school, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer and that I had a passion for Education Policy. It was not until I explored various law school courses and internships, externships, and summer associate positions that I found the right fit in practicing at an employer-side law firm in the labor, employment, and education fields.
How did your time at UB Law prepare you for the rigors of real-life legal practice?
The most attractive aspect of UB Law is its offering of learning opportunities outside the classroom. I interned for a national union in New York City. I clerked for the United States Attorney’s Office. I participated in the New York City Finance & Law program. I externed for a Second Circuit Federal Judge. These opportunities allowed me to determine my exact career passions and aspirations.
When you were approaching law school graduation, did you have your current job lined up?
I was lucky enough to know that I would be a summer associate at Hodgson Russ LLP before my 2L year started, and had my permanent job offer from the firm before my 3L year began.
What is one thing law school couldn’t prepare you for?
Perhaps cliché, but law school never could have prepared me for working as a first-year associate amidst a global pandemic. However, the independent study habits formed during law school assisted greatly in the transition to remote work.
What advice would you give to current and prospective UB law students?
Take advantage of every opportunity during law school. It is only during those three years that you have the chance to try out various careers, and try on various capacities of being a lawyer—take a summer position in an area you know nothing about; intern for a semester in a job that seems elusive but intriguing; take classes in topics that you think you love, and in subjects that you think you will despise. You may be surprised. It is only through trial and error that you will find your true passions. And finally, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Law school is challenging. Studying for the Bar is challenging. Passing the Bar is challenging. But these challenges are only worth it if you are happy in the career you find at the end of the path—and that will only happen if you explore as much as you can in order to find the right fit for you. Even if it takes a few jobs in order to find the right fit, keep the faith that you will. Because being a lawyer offers perhaps the broadest career paths of all, as you will always be in demand, in any variety of capacities. The value of “J.D.” at the end of your name is unmatched. And the value of a J.D. from UB is supreme because of all the experiences you are able to participate in during your time there.
If you're looking to start your law shool journey, the Office of Admissions is always here to help! Reach out to set up an appointment or discover more about the application process.
