Four law-practicing Miami University alumni shared their workplace experiences and offered hints to students hoping to break into the field during the Pre-Law Discussion Panel Monday evening.

According to Yvette Simpson, the panel host and director of the pre-law program, the goal of the panel was to educate students about the real life of a practicing lawyer.

"They are often misinformed about the realities about legal practice," Simpson said. "These panelists are more relatable because they've only been practicing law about five years."

All the panelists said another major or minor from Miami would have helped in their jobs today.

"I should've double-majored, especially in business," Erin Rhinehart, a Dayton lawyer and 2001 Miami graduate said. "As a lawyer, you're expected to know everything about everything. The more of an asset you'll be, the more you stand out."

The panelists all agreed they should have taken more English classes or even majored in English.

"I write and research almost every day," Adam Armstrong, a lawyer currently practicing in Dayton and a 2002 Miami alumnus said. "I thought I was a good writer, but I had a lot to learn."

The panelists offered many tips on dealing with the costs of law school.

"Go to law school where you want to live," Eugene Droder, an attorney in Cincinnati and a 2001 Miami graduate said. "That way, it's easier to make connections. If you get into your dream law school, go there. But if you don't get into your dream school, follow the scholarships."

Josh Koltak graduated from Miami in 2001 and is now a practicing attorney in Sidney, Ohio. He said finding scholarships isn't too difficult.

"Look into local attorney scholarships," Koltak said. "There's a lot of hidden money."

Although law school is expensive, the panelists stressed its value.

"Remember that you're making an investment in yourself, " Armstrong said.

The panelists also discussed what can students expect from their years at law school.

"Treat your first year like a job," Armstrong said. "I tried to start my day at 8 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. If you can help it, don't work your first year."

All four panelists agreed they were at the library most of the day during their years at law school. Second year was the hardest, and their third year was the easiest.

"Don't worry, though," Rhinehart said. "You can still have a life and go to law school."

The panelists discussed what the best things to do during the summer are if you're headed to law school. The summer after their senior year at Miami, the panelists agreed they focused on making money and relaxing.

Their summers during law school were spent interning at firms.

"Don't shy away from unpaid internships," Rhinehart said. "It got me a great paying job. Don't be intimidated. We don't expect you to know much about law. We make you do easy, fun things."

According to all of the panelists, if you aren't planning on becoming a practicing lawyer, a law school degree can get you far in the job market.

"Lots of people who work in human resources, business, the government and politics hold degrees from law school," Koltak said.

Students who attended the panel said they gained valuable insights into a possible law career.

"It was nice to get a perspective into their careers," first-year Chelsea Arnold said.

First-year Elijah Santiago said the scholarship information was most valuable to him.

"I learned that it's a good idea to go to a school that gives you money," Santiago said.