I love it when my teaching and law careers collide.

Last week, LaTonya Burton’s Trial Advocacy students at Lake Forest College welcomed Lesley A. Wallerstein, LLC. I shared my journey from STEM student at MIT to become patent counsel to some of the country’s most innovative consumer product, medical device and sporting goods inventors, and trademark attorney to some of the region’s most recognized brands. I modeled an authentic path forward from science to law, a path that they do not often see on TV or social media. I modeled a career path that in those early years was not straight and whose destination was unclear. My first job out of law school was at a plaintiffs’ side civil rights litigation law firm, representing clients who were wrongfully arrested, beaten by police or wrongfully terminated from their government jobs. That is light years away from writing patent applications! My career took many turns to arrive where I was ultimately meant to be, including earning a Masters’ in Teaching Science from Boston University. From there, I taught high school science for 5 years before returning to law.

I admit I was caught off guard when LaTonya asked me if I liked law school. I most decidedly did not. I wanted to be honest and transparent with the students. So, I emphasized how valuable it is to learn how to think and write clearly, and persuasively. I use those skills every day, not only in advocating for my clients but also in advocating for myself and my family. An education is never a waste! It took many years of perseverance and growing self-confidence, for me to overcome my imposter syndrome and create the law firm that my clients needed.

LaTonya and I heard and evaluated the students’ oral arguments pulled from real cases in the headlines today. We were impressed how well-prepared, on-point, poised, respectful, engaged and eager to learn. They were open to our feedback, too. If this is the future of law, we are in very good hands.