At a recent Lehigh Lawyers Association (LLA) panel discussion, alumni reflected on their unique paths into the legal field, offering insight into the many opportunities available, the different ways to define success, and guidance for students considering careers in law.
“It seems to me that people often find their way into law unexpectedly,” says Anna Van Riesen ’28, president of Phi Alpha Delta (PAD), Lehigh’s pre-law fraternity. “By showing people how they can use their degree — no matter what field it’s in — to pursue a career in law, we [PAD] hope to open up a new world of possibilities for Lehigh students.”
Noel Johnson ’17, Nick Marcello ’15, and Doug Moquet ’08 shared their career trajectories, emphasizing that law isn’t a one-size-fits-all profession but a multidisciplinary field that can complement any degree or background.
Marcello’s story echoes that sentiment. A graduate of the IDEAS program, he initially planned to attend medical school. Late in his junior year, he realized that path wasn’t the right fit, but he still wanted to make use of his degree. Law school was the perfect solution.
“None of us came to Lehigh expecting to go to law school, but that's where we ended up,” says Marcello of his fellow panelists. “We wanted to share how broad a legal career can be and the good you can do with it. It’s a more approachable field than students might think, and it can open doors to a range of interests.”
For students curious about pursuing a career in law, Marcello encourages reaching out to alumni.
“We’re always willing to help. Whether you have questions or even if you don’t know where to start. We’re a resource.”
Barry Glickman ’79 P’14, vice president of LLA and moderator of the panel, has seen a growing interest among students as reflected by a strong turnout at events.
“It’s like that saying, ‘You don’t know what you don’t know.’ Students aren’t often aware of the opportunities available in law, but panels like these open their eyes,” he says. “After the discussion, several students stayed behind and said they didn’t think ‘people like us’ could work in law — people with their background, major, or interests. But they can. And you can see the wonder in their eyes when that sinks in.”
Glickman adds, “These events are for students from any possible major in each of the undergraduate colleges. You can have any sort of academic background and still land in the field of law.”
He adds jokingly, “Besides, everyone is legal adjacent. If you're not a lawyer, you're a potential client. So there’s no harm in coming and learning.”
