On Thursday, January 21, University of Alberta Faculty of Law students were treated to pizza and a presentation on "Alternative Careers in Law," sponsored by the University of Alberta Faculty of Law Alumni Association and facilitated by Randal Carlson. This noon hour presentation gave students a chance to hear from three alumni who discussed non-conventional ways to put your law degree to use.
The first speaker was Wendy Bouwman Oake, Program Director for Pathways to Housing Edmonton at Boyle McCauley Health Centre. Drawn to law for the ways in which it can be a helping profession, Wendy was active in SLS during her time at U of A. After practicing privately and with Legal Aid, Wendy ultimately arrived at the non-profit organization she now heads.
Geoff Crowe, Director of Legal Services with Edmonton Police Services, was the second speaker. Following law school, Geoff articled at a firm with a focus on civil and administrative litigation but was dissatisfied with the repetitive nature of private practice. After leaving to work with EPS, when he is not in his office, you might find him in a protective suit, ensuring that things are running smoothly with the canine unit.
Peter Nietresta, a Senior Lease Negotiator with Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, was last to speak. Peter began his career in private practice, but found that it was not the fit he had in mind. He moved on to work for the government and his work now entails negotiations surrounding anything from fish hatcheries to airport hangars.
Amidst the chuckles, students took away the serious message that no two paths will be the same. Whether your dream is to blend social work and the law, or simply to avoid the monotony of file work, an alternative career in law may be right for you.