Chibundu Nnake, a lead privacy campaign manager at Google, shares his journey from being a walk-on football player at Ohio State to navigating the intersections of law, technology, and advocacy. In this episode, he emphasizes the importance of creating generational access and opportunities for others, while also encouraging young lawyers and law students to explore diverse career paths beyond traditional legal roles. Chibundu's insights highlight the value of networking, self-awareness, and the pursuit of passion in shaping a fulfilling career.
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Chibundu Nnake is a first-generation American, born in Texas to Nigerian immigrant parents. Growing up in Houston, he was influenced by the expectations of his family, who often emphasized the importance of pursuing a career in law, medicine, or engineering. Chibundu's aspiration to become a lawyer was sparked at a young age when he attended a career day in fourth grade and met a lawyer who inspired him with his success. He pursued this goal throughout his education, majoring in sociology at Ohio State University while also playing football. Chibundu's journey reflects a blend of ambition and cultural expectations, as he navigated his path through various interests and experiences.
“I'm always working on opening doors for others. So that way I'm not the only one in the room," shares Chibundu Nnake on You Are A Lawyer.
After graduating from Ohio State, Chibundu took time off to reassess his commitment to law school, ultimately deciding to pursue a legal education paired with an MBA. His career has spanned various sectors, including politics and technology, where he currently serves as the lead privacy campaign manager at Google. Chibundu emphasizes the importance of creating generational access and opportunities for others. This commitment to fostering access and representation in his field highlights his dedication to uplifting his community and ensuring that future generations have the opportunities he sought.
Chibundu's decision to attend law school was deeply rooted in his early aspirations and the influence of a pivotal moment during his childhood. From a young age, he was inspired by a speaker at a career day in fourth grade who was the youngest person to make partner at his law firm. This encounter ignited Chibundu's ambition to become a lawyer, as he found the profession appealing and prestigious. His early determination guided him through his academic journey, leading him to pursue a pre-law track at Ohio State University while balancing his commitments as a student-athlete.
"I kept writing in my journal and say, what do you want to be when you grow up? A lawyer. I want to be president. I want to be a lawyer. I want to play in the NFL," reflects Chibundu Nnake on Episode 163 of You Are a Lawyer.
During his time at Ohio State, Chibundu faced challenges that made him reconsider his path to law school. He initially struggled with the LSAT and decided to take time off after graduation to reflect on whether law was truly his calling or merely a long-held belief. This period of introspection proved beneficial, as he later realized his genuine desire to pursue a legal career. Ultimately, Chibundu's journey to law school was marked by a combination of early inspiration, self-discovery, and a commitment to understanding the societal issues that motivated him to pursue a legal education.
A law degree opens up a multitude of career paths beyond traditional legal practice, as highlighted by Chibundu Nnake in the You Are a Lawyer podcast. With a JD, individuals can leverage their skills in various sectors, including technology, politics, and advocacy. The credibility of a law degree allows law graduates to pursue roles in government relations, privacy management, and even tech-related positions, where they can apply their legal knowledge to navigate complex regulatory environments.
“The law degree, it's a different kind of weight. Like it shows that you're able to do a hard thing... people will throw hard things at you," reflects Chibundu Nnake on Episode 163 of You Are a Lawyer.
Chibundu encourages law students and young lawyers to embrace their unique interests and skills, suggesting that they can pivot into different fields if they find traditional legal roles unfulfilling. He highlights the importance of identifying one's passions and functional skill sets, which can lead to fulfilling careers in diverse areas such as corporate governance, public policy, or even starting their own initiatives to create generational access and opportunities for others.
As Chibundu Nnake highlighted in the podcast, the law degree offers a unique advantage, providing credibility and a strong foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving. This versatility allows lawyers to venture into various fields, such as tech, advocacy, or even entrepreneurship. By leveraging their legal expertise, lawyers can create side businesses that align with their interests, whether it's consulting, teaching, or developing legal tech solutions.
“The law is a very amorphous, malleable vehicle. I think what's important is that you have a purpose and you're passionate about it,” shares Chibundu Nnake in Episode 163 of You Are a Lawyer.
Chibundu’s perspective encourages lawyers to not only seek fulfillment in their primary careers but also to explore side hustles that resonate with their values and aspirations. By doing so, they can enhance their professional satisfaction and create additional opportunities for growth and impact in their communities.
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Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.
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