Finding Your Niche in Legal Operations feat. SeNita McRae (October 2022)
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
SeNita McRae is a legal operations professional with a background in broadcast journalism, public administration, and law. In this episode, SeNita shares how she built a thriving career in eDiscovery and legal operations, why passing the bar was not required for her success, and how every degree she earned eventually fit together.
About This Episode
Background
SeNita McRae’s career path was anything but linear. She earned her undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism from Florida A and M University and worked as a reporter in television and radio before realizing that the financial instability of the industry was not sustainable long term. Her early career included juggling multiple jobs while trying to make journalism work in competitive markets.
“I literally was working like three jobs," shares SeNita McRae on You Are A Lawyer.
After stepping away from journalism, SeNita pursued a Master of Public Administration at North Carolina Central University, where she became deeply involved in nonprofit work and advocacy. That experience helped her clarify her long term goals and eventually led her to law school at Southern University Law Center, where she graduated with honors.
Why Law School
Law school was not a straight line for SeNita. She initially enrolled at North Carolina Central’s law school but struggled academically and ultimately left the program. That experience forced her to reassess her motivations and rebuild confidence through her MPA program.
“When I want to do something and I put my mind to it, it gets done," reflects SeNita McRae on Episode 61 of You Are a Lawyer.
When SeNita chose to return to law school, it was on her own terms. With renewed clarity and confidence, she entered Southern University Law Center and excelled academically. Her story reflects how timing, agency, and self belief can fundamentally change the outcome of professional decisions.
What Can You Do with a Law Degree
After law school, SeNita’s career took an unexpected turn into eDiscovery and legal operations. Starting as a project attorney in document review, she gradually moved into litigation support, preservation coordination, and eventually legal operations roles embedded within large corporate environments.
“This is an industry that I would stay in," explains SeNita McRae, on this episode of You Are a Lawyer.
Her legal training allowed her to translate complex technical concepts for attorneys while also working directly with vendors and internal teams. SeNita’s experience shows how a JD can be a powerful credential even without bar licensure, particularly in operational, technology driven legal roles.
Lawyer Side Hustles
SeNita’s work in legal operations draws on every part of her educational background. Her journalism degree supports client facing communication, her MPA strengthens leadership and organizational skills, and her JD anchors her credibility in legal departments.
“I literally use every single degree in some facet of my day,” shares SeNita McRae in Episode 61 of You Are a Lawyer.
Beyond her formal roles, SeNita is a vocal advocate for lawyers who feel stuck because they have not passed the bar. She encourages law graduates to recognize their value, explore adjacent industries, and confidently claim the title of lawyer.