By Malissa Barnwell-Scott
Fictional lawyers Perry Mason and Clair Huxtable both inspired the prominent USC Gould alumnae who joined the recent Women in Law Practice panel co-sponsored by The First Generation Professionals Program and the Women's Law Association. The panel featured three alumnae representing Big Law, entertainment law and government practice. Kimberley Baker Guillemet JD ‘05, Manager, Mayor Eric Garcetti's Office of Reentry; Kathy Sanders JD ‘85, Of Counsel at O'Melveny; and Karen Grant Selma JD ‘94, Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs at Universal Pictures spoke to students about their career paths, perspectives on legal practice as a first generation professional and woman and strategies for success.
The panel began with the speakers describing the moment they became interested in the law.
Perry Mason was an inspiration for a young Sanders.
"Clair Huxtable was the first black woman lawyer I ever saw and I wanted to be her," said Guillemet.
"I always wanted to find a balance between the arts and a ‘stable' career — I read an article about a music attorney and thought that's what I want to do," said Grant. I didn't know any attorneys, but I knew music was in Los Angeles, so I applied to Gould.
Collectively, the panelists spoke about the importance of being treated and seen as an equal at the table. Each woman had stories to share about being mistaken for a subbordinate during their careers and the importance of using those experiences as a teachable moment.
They panelists offered students tips about office dynamics — when and how to have a respectful conversation with a subbordinate to ensure optimum productivity and collaboration.
When discussing life goals, Sanders encouraged students not to delay life decisions for one's career and stressed the importance of having a partner who will support one's professional life and share family duties.
Current students enjoyed the content and candor of the conversation. The practical tips and strategies for navigating new experiences and expectations in law school and law practice were invaluable — indeed, time well spent!
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