Military spouse attorneys face unique barriers to career growth. At the same time, their status as military spouses offers special opportunities to serve the community and to benefit from a worldwide network of supportive mentors. On Friday, October 17, TJSL will welcome to campus the Military Spouse JD Network’s annual “Making the Right Moves” Conference, which concerns career growth for military spouse attorneys and law students. The conference is an all-day professional development and leadership training event that will focus on creating and following a successful career path tailored to the unique needs of military spouse attorneys – but it will be an important and relevant event for current and former service members as well.
Dean Thomas Guernsey will deliver the opening remarks. “MSJDN’s decision to bring the event to TJSL is a reflection of our school’s reputation for being a leader in educating service members and their spouses,” said Dean Guernsey. “At TJSL, we respect the discipline and focus that military-connected students bring to law study. We are happy that the upcoming event will provide these students with a chance to learn from successful practitioners whose lives have taken similar paths.”
Professor Amy Day is a military spouse and the director of TJSL’s new Center for the Study of Women and the Military. “Mentorship plays a vital role for military spouse attorneys,” said Professor Day. “It is important for us to find other people whose experiences look like our own, and to learn from their advice on how to invest in our careers despite all the challenges that come with military service.”
Professor Day will participate in the conference as part of a panel on building a career plan. Professor Steve Berenson, who runs TJSL’s Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic, will participate in a panel on opportunities for military spouse attorneys to gain career experience through community service.
The Military Spouse JD Network is an international network of legal professionals who work to improve the lives of military families. Because unemployment for military spouses regularly outpaces the national average and military spouses face additional barriers due to the unique licensing requirements of state bar associations, MSJDN advocates for bar memberships without additional examination. MSJDN provides support and mentorship for members worldwide.
TJSL has long been a leader in educating military personnel and their spouses. The school has a flexible academic program, participates generously in the Yellow Ribbon Program to fund the education of veterans, and offers numerous courses, clinics and centers devoted to issues of interest to the military community. Last year, TJSL’s annual Women and the Law Conference concerned Women and the Military, and the school welcomed Navy Judge Advocate General VADM Nanette DeRenzi to campus for the event.
The Making the Right Moves conference is free for TJSL faculty, staff and students (though you must still purchase a lunch ticket if you would like to attend the 8th floor lunch reception). Those interested in attending should email aday@tjsl.edu to register for the event.
