Our Interview With Jesse Friedman, Named Partner at Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC

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Jesse Friedman is a Named Partner at Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC. He graduated with a J.D. from Vermont Law School in 2000. Friedman specializes in Criminal Defense.

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What motivated you to pursue a career in law?

From a very young age I was always interested in justice. It was a path that I knew I wanted to follow throughout my schooling. I have fond memories of visiting my grandmother, who was a Family Court Judge in New York City, which only further cemented my path to law. 

What do you wish you had known about the law school application process before you applied?

Don’t worry so much. Do your best. Study for the LSAT. And most of all, be yourself.

A lot of students struggle with the law school personal statement. What did your brainstorming, writing, and editing process look like, and what do you think made yours stand out from the crowd?

I think it is important to be true to yourself instead of trying to craft something that you think other people want to read. Take something personal to you and let it flow. Don’t be afraid to get feedback from family and friends.

What was the biggest challenge that caught you off guard when you sat down to write the LSAT?

Practice as much as possible. I was surprised at the difference in difficulty between different test sections on any given day.

How much work experience did you gain before applying to law school? What opportunities did you pursue, and what helped you the most during the application process?

I worked for a few years prior to finishing college and applying to Law School. Everybody is different, but there is no substitute for street smarts and real-world experience. 

Did you have any setbacks or rejections during the law school admissions process, and what did you learn from those experiences?

I was determined and persistent in my application process. I applied to a wide range of schools, and while I didn’t get accepted to every school I applied to, I did get accepted to schools that I was happy with. Geography and programs are important in thinking about where to apply.

What led you to specialize in Criminal Law? What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue your specialty? What activities/events/opportunities would you recommend for students wanting to pursue Criminal Law?

I wanted to be of service and wanted to help those accused of crimes be treated fairly. I have always been fascinated by the criminal justice system and the inherent inequities that disadvantaged groups face. I would recommend those interested in Criminal Law to intern at a Public Defender’s Office or Prosecutor’s office. I would also observe court proceedings as much as possible.

What are some emerging fields of law that you would recommend potential students to start thinking about if they want to future-proof themselves in the industry?

There will always be a need for criminal and family lawyers.  Think about Artificial Intelligence and becoming an expert in processes. The field of law is adapting to new technologies and being literate is the quickest way to become useful to others.

What are the biggest sacrifices you’ve had to make to pursue a career in law?

Being a successful lawyer requires a tremendous amount of dedication and work. Unlike other careers, people’s lives count on your work and you don’t have the opportunity to sleep in if you are expected to be in Court in an hour.

Bonus question: How much would we have to pay you to take the LSAT again?

You couldn’t pay me enough!

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Juris Education is proud to interview experts like Jesse to help future lawyers understand the challenges and rewards of a legal career. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into law school today.