Caroline Bateman '10

Tell us about your legal career path and what you enjoy most about your current role? 

After law school, I joined the Clark County District Attorney’s Office. I served first as an appellate law clerk; and later, as a Deputy District Attorney. I gained incredible courtroom experience while prosecuting all varieties of criminal cases including murders, sexual assaults, and armed robberies. I am incredibly fortunate to have started my legal career at an office of attorneys whose dedication to public service and justice is unmatched.

In 2015, I left the County and joined the Nevada Office of the Attorney General. I currently serve as the First Assistant Attorney General. I supervise approximately 90 attorneys in representing the State’s agencies, departments, and officials. The part of this role that I most enjoy (but simultaneously provides the most stress) is the variety of issues that confront me every day. From fighting the transport of nuclear materials into Nevada; to administratively prosecuting professional boxers and MMA fighters for anti-doping violations; to reviewing State contracts, every day provides new challenges that keep me on my toes.

What are nuggets of advice you would give a recent Boyd Law graduate or current student?

The best advice that I received, and now share (with credit going to the incredible Professor Pollman), is to never shut out a possible career path. In law school, every class I took and every externship I performed was geared toward becoming a prosecutor. I never imagined that I would become primarily a civil matter and regulatory attorney (With the clarity of 20/20 hindsight, taking that business organizations or water law class would have been incredibly helpful!). However, making the jump from the DA’s office to the AG’s office was the best career move that I could have made. I encourage everyone to keep your options open-- you never know where your strengths really lie.

For current Boyd students, do not get discouraged if you find yourself struggling in classes or with exams. While a class may frustrate you now, you may excel in that area once you get into practice. Outworking others goes much further than relying on sheer talent in becoming a successful attorney. Also, take the time to form meaningful relationships with your classmates. Their support will get you through law school, the bar exam, and your life as an attorney.