When I was in high school, I avoided things like mock trial as though my life depended on it. The thought of people watching me speak or make a presentation made me physically ill. But in the years since, I participated in activities that gave me the opportunity to flex my public speaking muscles and was mentored by wonderful attorneys. As I did so, I looked back with a tinge of regret; oh, what could have been had I put myself out there and participated in something like mock trial in high school. Then I decided to focus on giving back instead of regretting what could have been.
Megan E. Lee, Michigan State 2019, is a staff attorney with Wisconsin Judicare Inc., Wausau, where she advocates for victims and survivors of sexual assault in family law and victims’ rights cases. She also conducts outreach at a local domestic violence agency.
This is one of many reasons I volunteered to judge in the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Mock Trial Tournament this year and in years past.
Pre-pandemic, I had my first foray into the world of mock trial judging when I volunteered for an in-person competition in Wausau after a coworker recommended it. I was floored by the confident, articulate high school students with stunning performances in the competition. It was an incredible thing to watch and be a small part of. This year, with life being a little less hectic, I volunteered to judge again for another incredible group of mock trial participants.
I was beyond impressed by the students and coaches who put forth such amazing performances at this competition. Their effort is clear in the well-thought-out examination of witnesses, the captivating opening and closing arguments, and the overall poise with which the competitors handle themselves. It is easy to forget that these are high school students and not practicing attorneys.
If even a fraction of these students go on to attend law school, the profession will be all the better for it. Any activity that promotes positive views of our profession and encourages students to practice law and perhaps move or return to rural communities to do so is a noble goal. Fostering the next generation of passionate, thoughtful litigators is crucial to ensuring the future of this profession we all hold so dear.
For me and, likely, many of you, the legal profession is so much more than just a job – it is a lifestyle. We are tasked with the awe-inspiring task of upholding the law and zealously advocating for clients. Volunteering is a wonderful way to help nurture this profession for the next generation of lawyers. As I personally look for more ways to get involved, I hope readers will do the same. Whether it is coaching mock trial, volunteering to judge, or getting more involved with the State Bar, we have a bevy of opportunities to build toward a better future and owe it to ourselves to give back.
I decided to focus on giving back instead of regretting what could have been.
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How did you decide to become a lawyer, and what is your best advice for new lawyers?
The idea of being a lawyer was always in the back of my mind. My mom would make offhand comments when I was growing up that I should be an attorney; oddly enough, this happened when we were disagreeing about something. I was not ready to go to law school immediately after receiving my undergraduate degree, so I ended up going to work for an agricultural marketing firm in Madison. While there, I had some wonderful experiences and coworkers, but I realized that I wanted to help people and make a difference in the lives of those in need. At the time, I wanted to be a public defender, so law school came back to the forefront. During a career panel at the start of law school, I met a legal aid attorney and found my calling to work in civil legal aid. I loved the career panels in law school because I am the first and only lawyer in my family (although I received much support and encouragement from my family, especially my Grandpa Lee) and I had no idea what the options really were for attorneys.
My best advice for new lawyers is that you can absolutely do this and you deserve to be here! The biggest thing I think new attorneys might feel is a bit of imposter syndrome. Even if you do not feel like the “typical” attorney, that is more than okay. Each attorney needs to find their own voice and style. We do not come out of law school with every bit of knowledge and experience we will ever need, so be open to learning and growing into the attorney you want to be. You would be surprised how many practicing attorneys want to help and want to mentor new attorneys to help grow the profession. Do not hesitate to reach out!
Megan E. Lee, Wisconsin Judicare Inc., Wausau
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» Cite this article: 95 Wis. Law. 64 (April 2022).
