The Pre-Law Society had the pleasure of sitting down with Towson Pre-Law advisor, Dr. Jonathan Hensley, for an informative interview. As the Pre-Law advisor, Dr. Hensley has experience in many aspects of the admissions process, law school, and the details of pursuing a law career. During our time, we asked him to share his thoughts on these topic areas which are pertinent to students seeking to attend law school. Here are his responses: 

 

• Did you have a plan going into college and later into law school?

 

Dr. Hensley earned his B.A in Philosophy at Furman University. After his undergraduate studies, Dr. Hensley attended law school at the University of Tennessee where he then passed the bar exam and became a licensed practitioner in Tennessee. He was subsequently licensed in Virginia due to a reciprocity program which allows for practitioners of one state to be licensed in another.

 

• When did your interest in law begin? And how did it develop?

 

Dr. Hensley’s interest in law began early in his undergraduate career. He chose to attend law school because he wanted to explore the opportunities and prospective jobs that a juris doctor degree offers.

 

• What were some lessons you learned during your undergraduate studies?

 

Dr. Hensley cited three things that he deems helpful in preparing for law school: writing, analytical thinking, and experience. All of these things are not only necessary skills for a law career, but are also useful to any person who aims to be successful.

 

• As an advisor, what is the one thing you want to tell your advisees?

 

“When you’re thinking about going to law school, you should be consciously thinking about what you want to do after law school and why.”

 

• What were the differences between undergraduate studies and law school?

 

“The main difference between undergraduate studies and law school is that law school is much less structured. There are relatively fewer deadlines. Some classes will only have a midterm and a final to determine a students grade. Additionally law school has many opportunities to practice law in mock trial courses, pre-trial litigation courses, and in legal clinics (where you represent real defendants under the supervision of a professor) so there are multiple opportunities for students to get hands-on experience. However, with less structure and more hands-on experience comes greater responsibility: students must figure out for themselves what needs to be done to succeed, and realize that their decisions as a student will have real legal consequences for others. This is all to say that law school students need to expect more personal responsibility. This may all sound daunting, but it is also rewarding.”

 

• What are helpful resources in law school?

 

“Like most undergrad programs, many law schools invite employers on campus to provide students access to local job opportunities. There are clinics, journals, and clubs. Law schools also have career service centers which are helpful for finding opportunities that match your interests. However, I must emphasize the importance of being active and go out to look for things that interest you, especially early in your first year.”

 

• How do Towson undergraduate students find internships and other professional opportunities?

 

Dr. Hensley is always available for students who want to discuss internships and other opportunities. He says, “internships are typically found at the discretion of the student inquiring. Dr. Hensley explains that it is ideal for students to pursue things on their own. Good places to find internships are at law firms, government agencies and nonprofits. There are some formal programs for interns, but still apply for jobs not specified as internships.”

 

• How did you balance work, school, and personal life in law school?

 

Dr. Hensley admits that he struggled with finding a balance. Oftentimes he would sacrifice his social time to study, something that many in this field can relate to. That said, Dr. Hensley is a proponent of a balanced life, and offers advice on how to achieve one. He says, “something everyone should do is make a schedule in which they set aside time to work on specific things. This will help reserve time for personal life. Obviously, nobody sticks to their schedule all of the time, but simply having a schedule helps keep one on track”. Dr. Hensley also emphasizes the importance of students getting to know their classmates, and befriending since they do have many shared experiences. “Misery loves company.”.

 

• Describe your experience in transitioning from student life to a professional environment.

 

Dr. Hensley provides a detailed account of his journey through law school and the experiences that led him through his transition from student life to the professional world of law. When discussing life after law school, Dr. Hensley emphasizes the importance of accountability throughout a graduate’s transition to the workforce. He explains, “you are no longer supported by a university and their faculty, you now become the sole entity that is responsible for how you proceed.” Dr. Hensley shares that during this transition, goals begin to deviate away from short term deadlines to more long term aspirations. He also adds that there is typically an adjustment phase post-law school in which novice lawyers are discovering their niche and adapting to professional standards. He says that, “throughout this phase is when you receive vital training from your superiors to help alleviate the transition’s hardships”. 

Speaking with Dr. Hensley was a pleasure, as he provided a depiction of the journey many young lawyers are about to embark upon. Many aspiring law students have preconceived notions of what law school is like and this interview serves to explain the skills and mindset needed to be successful in both law school and a professional work setting. We hope this article provides insight for those who want to attend law school and pursue a law career.