What I Wish I Learned in Law School - 29 - Carving Your Own Path: Unconventional Wisdom for Lawyers with VanderVeen Elder and Special Needs Law's Jennifer VanderVeen

29 - Carving Your Own Path: Unconventional Wisdom for Lawyers with VanderVeen Elder and Special Needs Law's Jennifer VanderVeen

06/11/24 • 29 min

Your host, Audrey Ehrhardt, talks with the Chief Everything Officer of VanderVeen Elder and Special Needs Law, Jennifer VanderVeen. Jennifer shared her journey of finding her niche in elder and special needs law. She emphasized the importance of self-discovery and understanding one's unique strengths and ways of thinking. Reflect on your skills and interests. What areas of law resonate with you? What are you passionate about? Don’t be afraid to try different areas of law. Internships, clerkships, and volunteer opportunities can provide valuable insights. Engage with mentors and peers to gain perspective on your strengths and areas for improvement.

To learn more about Jennifer's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

To learn more about Jennifer's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

Previous Episode

28 - Breaking Boundaries: Redefining the Legal Profession in Elder Law with The Law Office of Angela Odensky's Angela Odensky

Your host, Audrey Ehrhardt, talks with the Founder, Estate Planning, and Elder Law Attorney of The Law Office of Angela Odensky, Angela Odensky. Elder law is a unique field that transcends traditional legal boundaries, focusing on serving a population rather than a specific area of law. Angela's firm, based in Bellaire, Texas, and also serving Washington, specializes in elder law, estate planning, probate, and special needs. The firm's mission is to assist individuals in navigating the complexities of aging and the legal issues that accompany it.

Angela emphasized the importance of the intake process, where they gather comprehensive information, often via telephone, to identify the legal needs of their clients. This step is crucial as many individuals may not even know what kind of legal assistance they require. Elder law attorneys often act as the social workers of the legal world, providing guidance to other attorneys when complex legal issues related to capacity and aging arise.

The legal profession has seen a significant shift towards virtual practice, a change accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Angela shared her vision of leveraging technology to expand her practice to Washington while maintaining a presence in Texas. Tools for remote communication and document management are key to operating across state lines, allowing her to serve communities that may lack access to specialized legal services.

To learn more about Angela's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

Next Episode

30 - Mastering Time Management: The Key to Success for Attorneys with The Law Firm of Myrna Serrano Setty's Myrna Serrano Setty

Your host, Audrey Ehrhardt, talks with the Attorney and Counselor at Law of The Law Firm of Myrna Serrano Setty, Myrna Serrano Setty. Myrna's decision to start her own law firm in 2016 was driven by a desire for control over her practice and time. As a young mom, she needed flexibility to balance her professional and personal life. This decision wasn't easy, but it allowed her to focus on estate planning and probate, areas she was passionate about.

To learn more about Myrna's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.