Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Tran.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Brittany. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am currently a lawyer working in-house, which means I work for a corporation instead of inside of a law firm like most lawyers. I never dreamed of becoming a lawyer but during my freshman year of college, my mom mentioned that it might be a good idea to look into law school since I wanted to go into public policy at that time. I did an internship during my sophomore year of college and decided I liked it enough to pursue it. I applied to law school and got in, so I went. Throughout this time, I was never super passionate about the law or becoming a lawyer. To be honest, it was just something that I thought would be a good career path and so I pursued it. Law school was tough for me but I am a very determined person so if I put my mind to something, I finish it. I ended up graduating and passing the California bar exam on the first try! Most people after law school work at a law firm first and then go in-house but I went in-house right away. God definitely blessed me all throughout law school and even in getting my first job. Most people dream of going in-house but it doesn’t happen for several years. For me, I found that working in-house worked perfectly with my desire for work/life balance and not having to go to court or litigate. I did have to take a large pay cut than most first-year lawyers because I went in-house, but it was all worth it. I believe that if you want to get to where you are you might have to take some not so great jobs or you might have to sacrifice your salary. I have also been blessed with great bosses, who have acted as mentors and personal champions to help me with my career. It was because of all of this that I was able to start my YouTube channel and share my story and experiences with others. I didn’t want people to end up like me, going to law school with no idea of what it really meant to be a lawyer. In addition, I wanted people to see that there are alternatives than just going to court. I truly believe that hard work and consistency can get you anywhere. I worked hard in law school and at all my jobs, which helped me in each step of my career. For YouTube, I faithfully put out a video every week until I gained popularity through my Day in the Life of a Lawyer video. YouTube allows me to have a creative outlet for my vlogs and showing other things I enjoy such as eating good food and exploring my city. I never would have thought that being a lawyer would have led me to a successful YouTube channel!
Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve been blessed enough that I haven’t had any major obstacles or challenges in my career so far. I think the hardest part was adjusting to law school and how much studying it took to just stay afloat. In addition, there are many considerations in deciding what type of law you want to go into. For me, going in-house was what I wanted in the beginning but there are some drawbacks because you do not get the good foundation of working at a law firm and sometimes you get pigeonholed too early.
For those starting their journey, I would say don’t listen to what other people tell you (parents, friends, etc.) when it comes to your future career. Explore on your own and really delve into what your passions are and pursue that. Of course, you have to be practical in terms of surviving day to day but don’t choose a career because your parents told you to. Also, don’t be afraid to take risks and talk to people in industries you want to work in even if you’re only in high school. The more information you can get early on will help you make informed decisions. These people can also help mentor you in the future.
For YouTube, there are definitely some challenges of being a woman because of the types of comments you may receive from men or other trolls. I think the best advice is to not put any weight on those comments and to either not respond or read them or not let them get to you. I did get some comments about my appearance or the way I dress and that it seems like I am a “low class” lawyer or that I should put on more makeup. I think you have to remember these people don’t know you and they are commenting on one video seeing you in a certain light.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a lawyer by trade and I work in-house at a tech startup. Most people think of lawyers are working at law firms or going into court but there is a whole other side to being a lawyer that involves transactional work. I never see a courtroom. Working in-house means that the company is my client and I do a wide range of things ranging from negotiating commercial contracts to dealing with employment law issues. I love that working in-house gives me the flexibility to practice law but inside of a company (and all the perks that come with it) and exposure to all areas of the law. Each day is different and I am able to use my brain to solve interesting issues.
My side hobby is making YouTube videos about being a lawyer! What started out as a main vlog channel to document my life became a channel geared towards helping young aspiring lawyers and professionals figure out their future. Many people don’t know what it means to actually be a lawyer and I love sharing my life with my subscribers. I keep it real with the struggles and the long journey that it takes to become a lawyer. I am someone who loves sharing information and that is what keeps me going in making videos. Even if I just help one person, it will make it all worth it.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think women can do any job, especially in the legal field. I actually think that women have a sense of care and looking out for individuals and even bosses or managers, which make us great co-workers. We are not afraid or feel like we are below any work and we are willing to do what we need to in order to get work done. I also think women are at an advantage in certain fields like engineering or technical fields because it is so saturated with men. Employers are excited to give opportunities to women and hire women.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.youtube.com/limegreenelf
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: limegreenelf
- Facebook: limegreenelf
- Twitter: limegreenelf
Image Credit:
Brittany Tran (me)
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