Lezlie A. Griffin has been working in law school career services for three and a half years. She is currently an Assistant Director in the Career Services Office at The University of Alabama School of Law. As Assistant Director, she offers comprehensive career development counseling and job search to University of Alabama School of Law students and alumni. Ms. Griffin also serves students by concentrating on employer recruitment and outreach, with a particular focus on out-of-state employers.
Ms. Griffin previously practiced labor and employment law in Florida as Staff Attorney for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. She also served as a Career Counselor and Coordinator of Diversity Initiatives at Tulane Law School, where she worked with both the admissions and the career services offices. Ms. Griffin is an active member of The Association for Legal Career Professionals (NALP) and The Florida Bar, and she was elected to serve on the 2014 NALP Annual Conference Planning Committee. Additionally, she was selected as lead speaker for the 2015 NALP Annual Education Conference.
Ms. Griffin was born and raised in Wetumpka, Alabama. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism & Public Relations from Troy University. Ms. Griffin also earned her Juris Doctor and her Master of Laws in International and Comparative Law with distinction from Tulane Law School.
When she is not working, she enjoys the New Orleans Saints, traveling, reading, watching TV and movies.
Successful Assistant Director of Career Services
Does Ms. Griffin have a most memorable school experience she would like to discuss?
"Studying abroad in Greece during the summer of my second year of law school - it was amazing, every student should study abroad at some point during college or grad school."
Why did she decide to become a career counselor? "I always wanted to work in higher ed, but I never actually planned to be a career counselor. A former supervisor told me about an open career counselor position at my alma mater, Tulane Law, that she thought I'd be a good fit for, and I decided to apply. I got the job and have enjoyed this career path ever since."
What is the best part of Ms. Griffin's job? "Helping people reach their career goals."
What does she have a knack for? "Professionally: building strong relationships with legal employers nationwide. Personally: fashion/personal styling and interior design and décor."
How has the market affected students from obtaining positions they want? "It's a lot more competitive now, so sometimes the first job is not the 'dream job,' but it's still possible to work your way to it."
What does Ms. Griffin do to prepare students who are entering the workforce in a downward economy? "I help them to develop strong marketing materials (resume, cover letter, etc.) and stellar interviewing skills. I also help them to expand their professional network, as well as provide resources to educate them on a variety of different career paths."
What advice would she give to students who are about to graduate and enter the workforce? "Protect your reputation, as professionalism and integrity are everything. Work hard, as a strong work ethic will take you far."
What advice would Ms. Griffin give to a student who is struggling with their coursework? "Seek help from professors, study aids, and study groups; and don't give up!"
What advice does she give to a student who doesn't know what career path to take after he/she graduates? "Research different career paths, and talk to people that are doing what interests you. Think about what you like and don't like, and do what you're passionate about. If you're not sure what that is look for a position that offers a good variety of experience, and eventually you will figure out what you prefer to focus on."
What motivates Ms. Griffin to be a law school career counselor? "We spend most of our time at work, and it's important that you do something you care about, something that makes you happy. I like helping my students to obtain that."
As a law school career counselor, what area of counseling is she most passionate about? "Probably resume writing. Your resume tells your story and oftentimes gives prospective employers their first impression of you. I like helping students to make that first impression a great one."
Where does Ms. Griffin see herself in five years time? "In a leadership position in higher ed/law school administration."
If she were not a law school career counselor, what would she probably be doing? "Practicing law, most likely in the public sector."
Nonprofit Organizations, The Downside of Her Position and Ms. Griffin's Goals
Is Ms. Griffin involved with any nonprofit organizations? "I'm a member of The Florida Bar, The National Association of Legal Career Professionals (NALP), American Bar Association, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc."
Is there a downside to her position? "Yes, career counselors work extremely hard to help our students reach their career goals, so it's disappointing when things don't work out the way our students want them to. However, it's extremely rewarding when they do."
What are Ms. Griffin's professional and personal goals? "To continue to advance in my career and help others."
