Paul V. Suppicich, Esq.

How did you start building your network?

I started with the business professionals I already know. Next, I joined a Rotary Club and I am now active with several local non-profit or social organizations. I attend local Meetups, alumni events at my universities and regular networking events. I keep up with all the business professionals I meet through LinkedIn.com

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

I write legal briefs and motions for the court. I attend court hearings and interviews with clients. I perform lots of legal research so I read a lot. I usually sit at my desk and use my computer in my office, but I do leave the office for court, interviews and sometimes I need to travel to other cities and counties for work. I work in a busy law office with several other lawyers, a number of legal assistants as well as an office manager and a receptionist. It is important for me to have good relationships with them all because we count on each other in many respects.

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

I used the library frequently and read many different sources to gather information and perform research. I am fortunate that I was able to travel as a student to South America and Central America where I studied and learned Portuguese and Spanish languages. Many of my current clients speak Spanish so it is very important for me to be able to communicate well with them. When I was a student, I participated in a number of student organizations which helped me to build leadership skills.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

I had another career before I became an attorney. I was teaching community college writing classes and working in the circulation department of a local library. I thought about my skills, what I was good at and what I like. I researched a number of options, talked with my wife, and we decided together that since I love reading and writing, have well developed research skills, enjoy a challenge, enjoy helping others and am a people person that I would be well suited for a career in law. It's been a while, but I've never looked back; I've been a licensed, practicing attorney now for more than eleven (11) years.