At the end of last year, Illinois welcomed 1,604 new attorneys to the legal profession. We checked in with two attorneys who were recently admitted to the Illinois bar, to ask about the joys and challenges of being a new attorney.
Rheann J. Lucas is an associate at Goldenberg Heller & Antognoli in Edwardsville, Ill., where her practice focuses on personal injury and workman’s compensation claims.
Danny Oster is an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office Child Support Enforcement Division.
Why did you become a lawyer?
Lucas: From an early age, I was drawn to the idea of justice.
I would listen to my aunt, Jayne Durham [a lawyer], and my late grandfather, Don Lucas [a lawyer], talk about their experiences. I was inspired by their passion for the law and dedication to their clients. Becoming a lawyer is my proudest achievement, and I consider myself lucky every day that I get to be a part of this profession that is one of passion and purpose.
Oster: I became a lawyer, in large part because I like to help people. I like talking to people and solving problems and I felt that being a lawyer was a good combination of those two things.
Being in this profession allows me to see firsthand the impact that I make on other people. Although I am not always able to see the full impact of my actions, I can see that I make a difference in the lives of others.
And that is what keeps me going each day: the realization that I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of other people each day.
Why did you choose to practice in Illinois?
Lucas: Choosing to practice law in Southern Illinois was easy for me because this region isn’t just where I live, it’s my home. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois, and I am proud to be a part of the tight-knit community of lawyers who practice here.
Practicing here allows me to give back to the place that gave me so much. I have witnessed firsthand the resilience and hard work of the people here and understand the difficulties many face when navigating the legal system.
It is important that the people of Southern Illinois feel as though they are being represented. Practicing here gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Oster: I chose to practice in Central Illinois because it has been my home for almost the past decade, and I could not imagine wanting to be anywhere else.
What draws me to Central Illinois is the sense of community. No matter where I go, everybody in the area is always welcoming. I feel a sense of belonging and that I am part of something bigger here. I want to pass that on to those around me.
What are you most excited about as you enter your legal career?
Lucas: I feel fulfilled knowing that I can make a real difference in people’s lives. I am most excited about building meaningful relationships with clients, colleagues, and mentors. I look forward to learning from those with more experience, sharing ideas, and collaborating with fellow attorneys.
Oster: I think the thing that excites me most is that I don’t know what to expect. I get the opportunity to go to court multiple times a week and, if there is one thing I know, it’s that court never goes exactly how you anticipate it would. Even though you try your best to prepare for unexpected circumstances, something will always sneak up on you.
In a way, I think it also helps me to keep an open mind each day, and it serves as a reminder that the only thing you can expect is something unexpected.
What concerns you most as you enter your legal career?
Lucas: I think the biggest challenge as a first-year attorney is navigating the steep learning curve of stepping into the real-world practice of law. Law school taught me how to study and analyze the law, but the practice of law is so much more than that.
[When I] feel like I am in way over my head, I remind myself that all attorneys have been in this position at some point or another.
A life lesson I try to live by is, “If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not growing.”
Oster: I think the greatest concern that I have with starting my legal career is something that I share with countless other lawyers, and that is balancing our mental health.
It goes without saying that being a lawyer can be a very stressful profession. The cases can be mentally and emotionally draining, and although we have the opportunity to help clients, it is vital that we take care of ourselves.
We need to make sure that we are not constantly overwhelmed so we can serve our clients to the best of our abilities.
In my case, I’m in a field of law that is very emotionally volatile at times, so, at the end of the day, it is important for me to decompress and do my best to not take all the emotions home with me each night.
If I leave what happens in court there, it allows me to gently remind myself that tomorrow is a new day. It is as if it serves as a soft reset, allowing me to pause and take a breath so I can be the best and most effective lawyer I can be.
This article has been edited for length and clarity.
Our Professionalism Spotlight recognizes legal professionals throughout Illinois who are admired for their professionalism and civility. Check out more interviews here.
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