u/tdwolf2112

Hi all,

Apologies if this isn't the greatest place for this, or if there's a pinned post addressing it that I missed.

I got my Bachelor's in Political Science last year, and have been working as a paralegal at a very small personal injury firm since then. We also do civil litigation and, sometimes, criminal defense. Obviously, my goal is to go to law school. But, I'm trying to narrow in on what I actually want to do with a JD.

I'm drawn to PD work for a few reasons.

1. Though it might be naive, I'd like to try to make the world a better place in whatever way I can.
2. Since taking some courses on criminal justice/theories of punishment in undergrad, I've been very interested in prison abolition. My experiences working on criminal defense at my firm have heightened that interest. Generally, I think our prison system is repulsive and nonsensical. It seems to me that putting people in prison does little to make the world better practically, and I see essentially no moral justification for it, especially the way we do it in America.
3. I had a bit of an ... adventurous youth. Never got in serious legal trouble myself, but I've spent a great deal of time around "bad seeds," as my grandmother used to put it. I learned from those experiences that most people are just people, trying their best, and that forgiveness/understanding is one of the biggest gifts a person can be given. I'm not made uncomfortable by poverty, homelessness, drug issues, etc. I'd like to be able to help people who are facing difficult circumstances. I had a relatively privileged upbringing, and so I feel that I should try and utilize my privilege to make life a little easier for folks who have less.

So. I guess my general question is: why PD? What made you get into this work, and how do you like it? My impression is that it can be incredibly depressing, incredibly difficult and time consuming, and relatively thankless. Do you feel like you make a difference? What is satisfying about it? What's infuriating? I'll take any input whatsoever - discouragement or encouragement equally valued. Thanks in advance.

Title. Was just driving to the new Trader Joe’s in Hamden and a woman was running with two (2!) dogs on long leashes and her kids in a big stroller. Barely even a sidewalk where she was. I clocked the dogs way early and was ready to move my car if one jumped out — surprise! One did! Just jumped right out into the middle of the road. There must’ve been at least 3 feet of slack on that leash. Thankfully I swerved and didn’t hit the dog, but not everyone is as tuned in as I was. DON’T RUN WITH YOUR DOGS ON LONG LEASHES WHEN THERE’S HARDLY ANY SIDEWALK! You’re asking for your canine bestie to get flattened!