Erica Schwam
Sr. Assistant City Attorney
city of houston
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Financial challenges.
Quit a job that paid well because it wasn't a good fit for pursuing my educational goals.
Ignored anyone who said I could not do it.
Education
High School
Clear Lake High School
Clear Lake High School
Graduate
J.D.
South Texas College of Law
J.D.
South Texas College of Law
Career
Sr. Assistant City Attorney
I am a government lawyer and prosecute cases in municipal court
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Government
Law
Helping People
Day to Day
I arrive at work at 8 a.m. I usually report to a courtroom and work a trial docket. I speak to people representing themselves, and opposing attorneys. I review my cases and witnesses (usually police officera). I negotiate deals, and offer legal advice to people who work for the city (my client) as assigned through the legal department. Sometimes I have a judge or jury trial if my cases are not able to be settled by early afternoon.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Find people who do what you want to do, and take their advice.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Graduate
J.D.
J.D.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"I did not have the right personality to be a lawyer, that I was not aggressive enough."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Interviewed By
