Our class of 2020 graduates are actively engaged in the permanent job search and you can help! To connect with any of our talented class of 2020 graduates, please contact Assistant Dean for Student and Career Services, Sarah Beznoska, at s.beznoskanull@csuohio.nulledu.
Meet Heather Thomas who has 20 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist, certifications in health law compliance and health law policy, and an interest in starting her legal career with a law firm. Heather passed the October 2020 bar examination.
What motivated you to attend law school?
I have always had an interest and love for the law. After 20 years in the medical field, and as a military spouse and mother, I became passionate about health care reform and policy with an emphasis on veterans. I realized the path to making the greatest difference was a law degree. However, while in law school, I fell in love with many more areas and am excited about where this second chapter will take me.
Tell us about your legal work experience (law clerk, externship, internship, etc.).
I have been a medical legal consultant for many malpractice and probate law firms over the last 6 years. This includes record review, attorney education, trial experience, and expert testimony.
I was an extern for the Civil Division at the United States Attorney’s Office in Cleveland. I worked on a variety of projects including the landmark opioid case. I also participated in defending the VA, depositions, and writing motions in a wide variety of federal areas.
Additionally, I was an extern for the Honorable Judge Eileen Gallagher for the Eighth District Court of Appeals . This was a well-rounded experience that included writing opinions, writs, and memoranda. The experience included exposure to the Public Defender's Office, the Prosecutor's Office and several Common Pleas Judges.
What are the best qualities you will bring to a legal employer?
I will bring professionalism, a strong work ethic, and excellent issue spotting skills. I am an incredibly fast learner and any skills I lack will be second nature quickly. I also find value in being able to verbalize when I don’t know or am uncertain of something, and am skilled at utilizing all available resources in order to produce the highest quality work product. Additionally, I find that helping others in subject areas that I have greater experience in reinforces my knowledge.
What are your goals for your legal career?
I would like to eventually work within the federal government with health care policy reform and agency law. However, I want to spend the first several years of my legal career within a private firm concentrating in general law or malpractice. I am motivated and want to experience both research and litigation.