Jay Coleman - Youth Advocate and Lawyer

In this episode, Jay Coleman, a 2016 Southern University Law Center graduate, explains why took the bar exam in multiple states and why people need to adjust their definition of success.

Show notes

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). 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.

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.

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.

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 (IEP) for students. With an IEP in place, a school cannot expel students without cause. While living and working in Kentucky, Jay learned that he passed the Tennessee bar exam.

NOTE: 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.

Jay Coleman is licensed in the state of Tennessee and Arkansas. You may follow Jay Coleman on Instagram @fridayre_esq and follow his editing service company @ColeScript. Contact Jay Coleman at colescript@gmail.com to request editing services.

Follow the You Are A Lawyer podcast on Twitter @YouAreA_Lawyer, Instagram @youarealawyer and on LinkedIn. Follow the podcast host, Kyla Denanyoh, on Instagram @kjd796.