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For many students, a career in law can look like one of two things: long hours spent reviewing documents or dramatic arguments in a courtroom. But as this Coffee Chat makes clear, the legal profession is far broader, more collaborative, and more dynamic than those familiar images suggest.
In this conversation with Nkechi Nnachetta Florez, we explore what it really means to build a career in law—from discovering specialized fields like bankruptcy and intellectual property to developing the communication, adaptability, and relationship-building skills that help legal professionals succeed across industries.
Nkechi is a Law Build Fellow at Open Avenues, where she works with students leading projects in the legal field. Nkechi previously worked as a bankruptcy lawyer at Glast, Phillips & Murray, where she focused on conducting legal research and drafting pleadings for bankruptcy proceedings. Nkechi has over a year of experience in the legal field. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Bankruptcy from St. John’s University School of Law, a Juris Doctor (J.D..) degree from Georgetown University Law Center, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Political Science from the University of Indianapolis.
For students and early-career readers, the message is both practical and encouraging: there is no single path into law, and meaningful opportunities often begin with curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to ask questions.
A: When I was a student, I had a fairly narrow and somewhat stereotypical view of what “working in law” would look like. I imagined it as falling into one of two main paths: either sitting behind a desk reviewing contracts and legal documents all day or standing in a courtroom delivering arguments in front of a judge. In my mind, those seemed like the two defining images of the profession, and I assumed most legal careers would closely resemble one of them.
However, once I entered law school, I quickly realized how limited that perspective had been. One of the biggest surprises was the sheer breadth of specialization within the legal field. Beyond the more commonly known areas, there are highly niche practices such as marine law, intellectual property, and copyright law, each with its own unique challenges and skill sets. It became clear that the law intersects with almost every industry, which opens up far more diverse career paths than I had initially imagined. For students exploring law, this means staying open to practice areas and career paths they may not have heard about yet.
Another aspect that surprised me was how much legal work happens outside the courtroom. While courtroom advocacy is important, a significant portion of a lawyer’s role involves research, writing, negotiation, and advising clients. I hadn’t fully appreciated how critical these behind-the-scenes tasks are in shaping legal outcomes. In many cases, strong preparation and careful analysis matter just as much—if not more—than delivering arguments in court.
A: Clarity and conciseness have been especially critical in my work. As a lawyer, I often collaborate with professionals from non-legal backgrounds—such as business leaders, engineers, product managers, and compliance teams—so the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, straightforward language is essential. Legal analysis only becomes valuable when others can understand and act on it, which means distilling dense regulations or nuanced risks into practical, accessible guidance.
Being concise also helps ensure that key points are not lost, particularly in fast-paced environments where stakeholders need to make timely decisions, for example commercial contract negotiations often require not just the legal team’s input, but also input from other departments such as Sales, Procurement, etc. These teams work together to review and approve contracts quickly so business deals can close on schedule.
In addition to clear communication, adaptability has been a vital skill when working with interdisciplinary teams. Different fields approach problems with distinct priorities and frameworks, so it’s important to adjust both communication style and problem-solving approach depending on the audience. For example, a technical team may need precise, structured explanations, while business stakeholders may prioritize strategic implications and efficiency. Being flexible in how I present information helps bridge these gaps and fosters more productive collaboration.
A: The most substantial step I took toward a bankruptcy law career was pursuing a specialized master’s degree focused on bankruptcy law, which gave me a deeper foundation in the field. However, that path is not the only—or even the most typical—route into this area.
A more practical entry point today would be to first take a bankruptcy or creditors’ rights course early in law school to see if the subject matter interests you. Next, students can seek more exposure to bankruptcy law and build experience through internships at law firms or bankruptcy courts.
Lastly, I would recommend being proactive about networking and seeking mentorship. Speaking with your school career advisors as well as professors who teach bankruptcy or commercial law, attending panel events that allow student admission, and connecting with professionals in the field through platforms like LinkedIn or even via email can provide valuable insight into how careers in this space develop.
A: My academic choices played a significant role in shaping my professional opportunities, both in terms of subject-matter expertise and access to professional networks. My Juris Doctor degree provided a strong, well-rounded legal foundation and exposed me to a wide range of practice areas. It also created opportunities to engage with practitioners, attend industry events, and begin building connections early on.
Pursuing an LL.M in Bankruptcy allowed me to deepen that foundation with specialized knowledge in restructuring and insolvency. This focused study not only strengthened my technical understanding of bankruptcy law, but also signaled a strong interest in the field, which is always valuable when looking for roles in specific practice areas.
Beyond academics, both programs gave me access to strong alumni networks that proved extremely valuable as I transitioned into practice. I was able to connect with graduates working in bankruptcy and related fields, seek advice on navigating the job market, and gain practical insights into the day-to-day realities of the profession.
A: An easy mistake to make is only ever networking “up” rather than also networking “sideways.” Students are usually aware of the importance of networking and reaching out to those in high positions in their chosen fields, but networking among their peers is not as known. I have found that it is helpful to reach out to those around you, such as your classmates and colleagues. Networking this way is often as simple as joining a student organization, connecting with recent school alumni or just generally keeping in touch with your classmates. These are the people that usually know you better and are often even more willing to help career-wise in future.
A common attribute of early career professionals that stands out is consistency. They don’t just perform well when something is urgent or highly visible—they deliver reliable, high-quality work across the board. Over time, this consistency builds a strong reputation and makes others more willing to rely on them for important assignments.
A: An easy mistake to make is only ever networking “up” rather than also networking “sideways.” Students are usually aware of the importance of networking and reaching out to those in high positions in their chosen fields, but networking among their peers is not as known. I have found that it is helpful to reach out to those around you, such as your classmates and colleagues. Networking this way is often as simple as joining a student organization, connecting with recent school alumni or just generally keeping in touch with your classmates. These are the people that usually know you better and are often even more willing to help career-wise in future.
A common attribute of early career professionals that stands out is consistency. They don’t just perform well when something is urgent or highly visible—they deliver reliable, high-quality work across the board. Over time, this consistency builds a strong reputation and makes others more willing to rely on them for important assignments.
A: If I could give one piece of advice to a student who feels passionate but underqualified or unsure of their next step, it would be to start by having conversations with people already working in the field. Conducting informational interviews is a simple but powerful way to gain clarity and build confidence. Reaching out—whether by email or through platforms like LinkedIn—to ask for a brief 10–15 minute call can open the door to valuable insights about different career paths, day-to-day responsibilities, and how others got their start.
These conversations often help demystify the idea that there is only one “right” path. Many professionals have taken non-linear routes, and hearing those stories can make your own uncertainty feel more manageable. You may also discover opportunities, roles, or specializations you hadn’t previously considered.
Final Thoughts
What stands out most in this conversation with Nkechi is how much a successful legal career depends on seeing beyond the obvious version of the profession. Law is not only about knowing statutes, drafting documents, or appearing in court. It is also about translating complex ideas into practical guidance, collaborating with people who think differently, and staying open to the many specialized paths the field can offer.
For students and early-career professionals, that perspective is especially valuable. You do not need to have a perfect plan or feel fully qualified before taking your first step. Taking a relevant course, seeking internships, building relationships with mentors and peers, and having honest conversations with people in the field can all help turn uncertainty into direction.
The larger lesson is that careers in law are built over time through curiosity, clarity, consistency, and connection. The students who thrive are not necessarily the ones who know every answer from the beginning, but the ones who keep learning, keep reaching out, and keep paying attention to where their interests and opportunities meet.
Danila Blanco Travnicek is the Director of Program Strategy & Evaluation at The Build Fellowship where she leads the education programming and its initiatives. She is a social entrepreneur who has been working tirelessly for over 10 years in the nonprofit sector to ensure more people have access to quality education. Danila holds a B.A in Business Management and a master's degree in Teaching and Nonprofit Management. She is a Professor at the University of Buenos Aires, an international speaker and facilitator and has managed and led programs with social impact in Latin America, U.S., Europe and Asia. She also received scholarships to study abroad in Finland, China and the United States.
Rik Abels is a Finance Build Fellow at Open Avenues Foundation, where he works with students leading projects in investment analysis and entrepreneurship. Rik is a Principal at Clew Partners, where he focuses on advising buy-side clients on M&A transactions, sourcing and facilitating acquisitions for strategic investors across a number of different industries.
Rik has over three years of experience in the finance field. With a background in technology venture capital, government, and public policy, he has spent the past years advising clients on acquisitions in sectors such as IT services, pharma services, and residential and commercial home services. Rik holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Government from Dartmouth College.
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