Jazmine Thompson '21

How did you first get into the legal profession?

Since I was young, my dad has always encouraged me to become an attorney. Being an attorney was something my dad wished he could have pursued but for adverse circumstances. Lucky enough for the both of us, I’ve always enjoyed learning about the law. My dad helped me secure my first legal internship, and I have been chasing legal work experiences ever since. My graduating law school was a dream come true for the both of us. I am grateful that my dad raised me to believe that my wildest dreams were always within arm’s reach.

What drew you to the Eighth Judicial District Court and what do you like about your work there? 

I am currently the law clerk to the Honorable Ronald J. Israel of the Eighth Judicial District Court. I didn’t desire to be a law clerk until I realized that my legal learning experience would be incomplete without the invaluable insight of the inner workings of the court and legal practice. As a law clerk, I enjoy analyzing which writing tactics make legal writing effective. Additionally, I enjoy being in a position where alternative sentencing recommendations are encouraged, considering our nation’s significant mass incarceration crisis. 

What is the toughest lesson you’ve learned so far in your career?

The toughest lesson I am continuously learning is portraying confidence throughout my legal career. Naturally, I am not a very confident person. However, in order to ensure that people in the legal profession believe in me, I work on overcompensating my outward portrayal of confidence. This requires a lot of repetitive self-talk and faking it until I make it. 

Favorite Movie 

The Parent Trap - “Right down the middle? Right down the middle.”