Lawyering “success” means different things to different people. Achieving a satisfying, rewarding career almost always requires aligning meaningful work with personal values and interests, growing relevant skills, building social connectivity, and exercising autonomy over your work. Embracing that vision for success can be challenging.

As lawyers, we know that clients value analytical problem solving, writing skills, project management experience, and trusted relationships. Law students (and many lawyers) struggle when they focus only on growing subject matter expertise to advance their careers.

We also know that great lawyers are great learners. New clients mean new legal issues, facts, and laws. Developing analytical problem-solving skills relies on active learning. Taking “ownership” over your skills growth is key to great learning. It helps you move from passively reacting to what other people “expect” of you as a student toward a self-directed approach where you make learning choices based on your interests and aspirations.

Nothing But Dicta is a platform for students to explore their passion for professional success. These resources prove that exciting career opportunities are not dictated by grades or class ranking. Discover the value in making intentional, timely, strategic choices about who you want to be as a lawyer and how to get there.