Attorney Professionalism Course
This week I had to take the mandatory Virginia State Bar professionalism course, pursuant to my bar passage in October. At least, I thought I had to take it. Turns out, I only had to take it if I was an active member of the bar, which I am not. Realistically, there is no sense being an "Active" member of the bar when you aren't practicing. I've paid my dues as an "Associate" member, which is good for now. One good thing about having taken the class now - if and when I decide to practice law again in the state of Virginia, I will already have that requirement taken care of.
Anyway, I essentially did not know anyone at the course. There were probably upwards of 300 attorneys there, and it wasn't until after lunch that I ran into a former classmate of mine who works for Venable. She was one of those very active, smart law students - on Law Journal, in various organizations, and clearly one of the top people in my class. I'm not suprised that she has the job she does. I was, however, jealous. Not just of her, either - but of most of the people there. Don't get me wrong, my job at Georgetown is a good job, and I'm paid well. However, I see my classmates making twice what I am - of course that would make me jealous. They can afford a house their first year out of law school. I'm afraid Martha and I won't be able to pursue that option until we are out of Washington, DC. Not to mention, sometimes it feels like I could be doing something that had some real effect on someone, other than not being able to get into University resources. I suppose my new VPN project is a measure of responsibility above what I've had thus far. The problem with the project is that I realistically know absolutely nothing about VPN.
In any case, the course was pretty boring. I felt like it was just a rehashing of the Professional Responsibility course I had at UR. The lunch, however, was very good. It was probably the best part of the day, in fact. Meeting one of the Virginia Supreme Court justices was also a good experience. It's funny, but I look at some of these lawyers, and I can really see them as politicians someday. Just by the way they look. The 1-800-BASTARD attorney commerical was pretty funny too. "Do you say to yourself 'I want a real bastard as an attorney?' Do you want someone who will be a bastard to opposing council?"