I Quit My Job to Take the Bar Exam (and Passed!) featuring Jay Coleman
- Oct 28, 2020
- 3 min read
Jay Coleman explains why he took the bar exam in multiple states and how he became a youth advocate. After testing in Tennessee, Maryland, and Arkansas, Coleman found success in Kentucky.
About This Episode
LISTEN TO LEARN
What it means to be a youth advocate
How to create different resumes for different jobs
What is a JD preferred job
WE ALSO DISCUSS
What does it mean to work in policy
How disabilities and bullying affect school-aged kids
Quitting a job to take the bar exam
Why Law School
Jay Coleman initially attended law school to become a prosecutor. However, after law school, Jay moved to Maryland to work with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). After seeing how his writing and research affected bills, Coleman enjoyed seeing his work in law and how it impacted the country.
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Jay’s interest in policy caused him to seek a career in advocacy and he moved back to his home state.
The advocacy job was a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) preferred job. In this role, Jay works for the interests of children through a manifestation determination hearing. Jay ensures that schools abide by the individualized education plans (IEPs) for students. With an IEP in place, a school cannot expel students without cause. While living and working in Kentucky, Jay learned that he had passed the Tennessee bar exam.
Since working as a youth advocate, Coleman has passed the Arkansas bar exam and believes that having his bar license allows him to move quickly or advance faster in his career.
What Can You Do with a Law Degree
At the release of this episode, Jay Coleman is a staff attorney with the Center for Arkansas Legal Services in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Jay represents clients requesting guardianship of family members, predominantly issues with children. Jay also petitions the court to seal criminal cases, handles landlord/tenant issues, and represents clients who have been denied access to public benefits.
Lawyer Perseverance
Jay decided to take the bar exam one final time with the condition that he would not work and would give his time and energy to preparing for the exam. While waiting for the exam results, Jay applied for a job as a youth advocate in Covington, Kentucky.
As of the release of this episode, Jay Coleman is a staff attorney with the Center for Arkansas Legal Services in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Jay represents clients requesting guardianship of family members, predominantly issues with children. Jay also petitions the court to seal criminal cases, handles landlord/tenant issues, and represents clients who have been denied access to public benefits.
Side Hustles for Lawyers
While deciding whether to take the bar exam again, Jay started a business, ColeScript Editing Services. Through ColeScript, Jay utilizes his love of grammar to edit resumes, papers, write biographies, and offer tutoring services.
Coleman is also interested in flipping houses and real estate. Growing up, Coleman saw his dad work on houses and Coleman was adamant that he would do something else. But, since buying his own house and remodeling it, Coleman is thinking about getting into real estate.
About Jay Coleman
Jay Coleman is licensed in Tennessee and Arkansas. You may follow Jay Coleman on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpcoleman_law/
Currently, Jay Coleman is the owner of the J. Paul Coleman in Arkansas. Don’t take the fall, just call Jay Paul. Email Jay Coleman at jay@jpaulcolemanlaw.com for legal assistance.
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