5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Attorney

TLDR


  • The five things Tamaira Rivera wishes someone had told her: embrace your bumps and scratches, find your cheerleaders, embrace your freedom to change, learn the power of "no", and play to your strengths.
  • Her own career went from JAG prosecutor in Japan, to training Latin American military allies, to an LL.M in Madrid, to ICE, to the immigration bench. Almost none of it was the plan.
  • Teaching ran through every role she has held, long before she founded Immigration Court Mentor.
  • What drives her is a line from Margaret Fuller: "If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it."


    Originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium on 12 July 2024, in an interview by Eric L. Pines. An excerpt appears below.

    Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit more. What is the "backstory" that brought you to this particular career path in Law?

    I have always dreamed that one day I would be a teacher or professor. I love to learn and love to share what I know. I believe my entire career trajectory has led me to where I am today. While serving in the U.S. Air Force I was an adjunct instructor at the Inter American Air Forces Academy where I taught military legal subjects to Latin American military personnel. When I worked for ICE, I participated in training sessions for stakeholders in the immigration processes involving unaccompanied minors. And as an immigration judge, I informally mentored our law clerks and colleagues new to immigration law. When I returned to private practice, I was immediately contacted by other attorneys who were seeking mentorship and trial advocacy strategies. Founding Immigration Court Mentor was the natural result of those experiences.

    Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your law career?

    The most interesting thing that has happened to me during my career has been the way it has evolved. When I began my career, I thought that I would be THE DEFENDER of all individuals seeking justice! I was certain I wanted to be a defense counsel. But I interned with a state prosecutor's office where I saw the power that a government attorney has to "do the right thing" in each case. Having grown up in a military family, I desperately wanted to be able to travel and explore different cultures. I did not see a way of bringing these two desires together until someone mentioned the JAG Corps to me. And so, I joined the U.S. Air Force! NEVER did I ever believe I would be active-duty military, but there I was! I was immediately stationed in Japan, where I served as a prosecuting attorney. From there, I was stationed in Texas and Arizona, where my language skills were crucial in training Latin American military allies in the rule of law and the law of war. The Air Force then selected me to go back to law school and earn an LL.M in International Law at the George Washington University Law School. From there, I was stationed in Madrid, Spain. When I left the military, I worked for international aid organizations and eventually began to work as an immigration prosecutor for DHS/ICE. In time, I was appointed as a Unit Chief Immigration Judge for the DOJ's Executive Office of Immigration Review. This has been a vastly rewarding experience but 100% not what I had imagined for myself. What I have learned from the twists and turns of my career is that you can always reinvent yourself! Whatever you do, wherever you go, do the work that sparks your interests and lets you shine in your zone of genius.

    What are your "5 things I wish someone told me when I first started" and why?

  • Embrace Your Bumps and Scratches. Don't get stuck on your perceived failures. Every bump and scratch along your career path is actually paving the way for your greater benefit. They're all part of the journey, making you stronger and wiser.
  • Find Your Cheerleaders. Surround yourself with a support system, these are your lifelong cheerleaders who will lift you up and give you a nudge when you need it. Having people who believe in you makes all the difference.
  • Embrace Your Freedom to Change. Freedom means you have the power to change course and reinvent yourself whenever you need to. Don't be afraid to pivot and explore new directions; it's all part of finding your true path.
  • The Power of "No". Saying "no" is just as important as saying "yes." It's key to avoiding burnout and maintaining a healthy balance. Don't stretch yourself too thin; it's okay to prioritize your well-being.
  • Play to Your Strengths. Focus on your strengths and let them shine. For areas where you're not as strong, hire or barter for help. Collaborating with others complements your abilities and leads to better outcomes.

    I know this is not an easy job. What drives you?

    A true love for teaching and bringing others along. In the 19th century, American journalist Margaret Fuller said, "If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it." I want to pass my lessons on so that others do not struggle or toil or bump along in the way. If I can lead and share my experience so that others can prosper, then there is righteousness in my work. What I learned in life should not end or stay with me.

    Read the full interview with Tamaira on Authority Magazine.

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