Heather Ann Thompson: Senior Paralegal and 4L

Attending Chase's evening programs and working full-time in-house for the legal department of Cincom Systems Inc., a local software company, Thompson is ready to move up in her company and achieve her goals.

"I found the software industry and the legal issues and challenges that come in the intellectual property field to be so interesting that I decided to take the plunge and go to law school myself," Thompson says.


After working at a smaller firm for two years, in 2000, she got her job at Cincom Systems Inc., which resulted in her final career choice for now.

"My experience as a paralegal assisting other practicing attorneys led me to the ultimate decision to go to law school and take my legal career to the next level," she says.

Having obtained her B.A. degree from Morehead State University in paralegal studies with a minor in literature, Ohio-born Thompson started working as a paralegal upon graduation. She worked for a small Cincinnati firm that mostly handled probate cases and estate planning. Shortly thereafter, she received her job at Cincom Systems Inc., where she has been for about seven years.

Thompson's senior paralegal position involves a variety of different tasks pertaining to the law industry, such as intellectual property and copyrighting issues. When not at work, Thompson attends night classes at Chase.

"The night program brings in many other professionals from other areas outside of the law who bring their extra experience and insight to the table when it comes to learning, reading, interpreting, and discussing cases that may not be brought to a typical law school class," Thompson explains. "There are night students who are M.D.s, nurses, C.P.A.s, police officers, social workers, bankers, and from just about every field you can imagine, which makes for what I believe to be a very enriching learning environment!"

Thompson credits her family and friends for being her support system, and she is excited about the upcoming months.

"I graduate this December with my J.D. and am planning to take the Ohio bar exam in February," she says.

"I have been offered a position as an in-house attorney [at my company] and look forward to the promotion once I pass the bar exam," she proudly adds. "I feel very fortunate to have secured employment prior to graduating law school!"

Thompson's best memories have come from the experiences she's shared with her classmates.

Q. What do you do for fun?

A. Spend time with family and friends and travel when I can. Scuba is the most enjoyable thing I have done in my spare time while vacationing!

Q. What CD is in your CD player right now, or what is the last song you heard?

A. Coldplay.

Q. What is the last magazine you read?

A. Real Simple.

Q. What is your favorite TV show?

A. Shark.

Q. Who is your role model?

A. My grandmother Margaret and the attorneys I work with every day!

Q. What is something most people don't know about you?

A. That I have a very artistic side and love cooking, painting, and decorating. I am currently taking a Saturday mosaic-tiling class at the Cincinnati Art Academy as my creative outlet. My current mosaic piece is a tabletop piece for my living room and a side table for my dining room.

"Probably my favorite [memories consist of] the bonding that occurs and lasting friendships that are made with your fellow students as you battle through the law school experience together," she says.

Thompson advises future law students to work in the legal sector before deciding to practice.

"Working in a law firm as a paralegal/legal assistant for a summer is a great way to get a taste of what working in the law is all about and to determine if it is for you before deciding to jump right into law school," she says. "There is a lot of practical knowledge and experience to be gained by doing things hands on, directly under the guidance of a licensed attorney, that just can't be had by simply attending law school straight out of undergrad."

As someone who has had first-hand experience with an evening law program, Thompson also encourages other working adults to take night classes.

"Don't discount attending a night program if you can be gaining practical experience during the day," she says. "I'd encourage every law student to try exploring elective classes that truly interest you as well as joining some of the student organizations. [They are] great ways to figure out what area of the law you'd like to practice in once you are there!"