Judge Thomas B. Griffith offered advice to students about their future career in an address on Friday, October 28, 2016. Judge Griffith is a federal judge on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
Judge Griffith advised students interested in litigation to consider doing a judicial clerkship after graduation. He also encouraged students to try working in different sectors of the law to find the best fit. “It wasn’t until I had a job for the government that I really started to love [being a lawyer],” he said. “The public service aspect was huge.” He also said that working for a nonprofit was one of his most rewarding jobs.
Judge Griffith also encouraged students to remember to help others. Speaking of pro bono work, he said, “Do it. Absolutely do it… Make a significant amount of your time helping those on the margins of society.”
Judge Griffith concluded by telling the students to stand up for what is morally right, regardless of the consequences. “Be willing to stand up and speak truth,” he said.