1. Career Paths: Ian Joseph ’24L

Ian Joseph '24L is from Johns Creek, GA. After high school he first attended Macalester College, where he was a member of the men's basketball team. He then went on to attend the University of Georgia, where he received a B.A. in Political Science. After college, he worked for a year as a paralegal in Savannah, GA before deciding to attend W&L. At the law school, he served as a Kirgis Fellow during his 2L year, and he has been an active member of BLSA and Law Families. Ian lives in Lexington with his fiancé, Karley, and their two cats Jasper and Oliver.

Where will you be working after graduation and in what practice area?

I will be working for McGlinchey Stafford in their Nashville office. At the firm I will be a general litigation associate with a focus on financial services litigation.

Did you know coming into law school that you wanted to work in this field?

Not at all. When I first came to law school, I thought I wanted to be a transactional attorney, but my summer experiences solidified my desire to work as a litigator. I honestly wasn't sure exactly what financial services litigation even was, but I enjoyed working in the field during my 2L summer and am excited to continue to learn and grow in the practice area.

What role did the size and location of the firm play in the search and decision process?

Both size and location definitely played a role in my decision. I worked with McGlinchey during my 1L summer in their Baton Rouge office, and I was fortunate enough to be able to parlay that into a 2L summer role in Nashville. Being from the metro Atlanta area, I wanted to get a little closer to home, and the wonderful attorneys in both offices helped make that dream a reality. I also always knew that I wanted to work in a mid-size firm rather than a big firm, and with McGlinchey I found a firm with smaller office vibes but big firm resources.

Was there anything in your law school or summer job experience that confirmed this career choice?

I really enjoyed the practicum courses I took that centered on the litigation process, and this helped me solidify my desire to want to go into litigation. I also really enjoyed both of my summers with McGlinchey and knew it would be a great place to work and grow as an attorney, as well as build great relationships with my co-workers.

What classes do you think are helpful to prepare for this job?

I think the Civil Litigation practicum with Professor Peppers gave me the best look into what being a litigator at a law firm would be like. During the practicum you get experience drafting pleadings and motions, taking depositions, and you get to argue a summary judgment motion in front of a real judge. I think that this classroom experience, coupled with my actual practice experience in the Immigrant Rights Clinic, has prepared me for what to expect when I join the firm.

Can you describe the job search process?

My job search process might be a little unique since I didn't have to go through the process after the 1L job search. With about two weeks left in my 1L summer I expressed interest in returning to the firm, but I told the attorneys I was close with that my fiancé and I were interested in getting closer to home in Atlanta. Thankfully the firm was really receptive to my request, and my mentor in Baton Rouge set up an introduction between me and the head of the Nashville office. Obviously that initial meeting went well, and the rest is history!

What are you most looking forward to about this job?

I am very excited to dive into the work and begin learning as much as I can. While law school provides you with the tools you need to become a lawyer, I am ready to start practicing and figuring out the type of attorney that I want to be.

Outside Law School

Hobby

I love working out with friends, as well as having a relaxing night in with my fiancé, Karley.

Favorite Location in Lexington/W&L Campus

I loved going to Brew Ridge Taps to hang out in their outdoor seating area, as well attending their trivia or karaoke nights!

Advice for Prospective Law Student

While it could be easy to only pay attention to the rankings, really do some research on the schools and communities as a whole. You're going to spend three years of your life at that school and in that city, so you want to make sure you do your homework!

Something/Someone you will miss at W&L Law

I will miss being in such close proximity to all my closest friends!

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