Adjunct Professor Tanya Jones-Bosier: On Helping Law Students Become Lawyers
Tanya M. Jones-Bosier is passionate about mentoring students who are at various levels of their educational careers. As a graduate of AUWCL, she aims to share her experiences as a law student and the lessons she has learned, and continues to learn, as an attorney. She recently returned to campus as an adjunct professor teaching an externship seminar in the Externship Program. In reflecting on her new role as a teacher, she shares what she hopes to impart to students.
Q: What made you decide to return to WCL as an adjunct professor?
A: I enjoyed the learning environment when I was a WCL student. I took 2 externship seminars which afforded me the opportunity to explore legal and non-legal positions I would be eligible for upon graduation. I wanted to share my experiences as a law student and lessons I have learned, and continue to learn, as an attorney.
Q: Describe the course that you’ll be teaching and what you hope your students walk away with after taking it?
A: I will teach a 3-credit externship seminar in the Externship Program. The course has 2 components; a field placement and seminar course. Students are assigned to a field placement in federal and state level government agencies, private and public non-profit organizations, and law firm pro bono offices. The students earn credit hours while gaining invaluable practical experience in their placements.
I want my students to walk away with knowing that first; there is life after law school. Second, I want students to connect to a mentor or someone who can provide guidance as they make decisions about their career paths. Third, I stress the importance of giving back to the community; whether it is through pro bono work, bar association involvement, or community service. Fourth, I want my students to know that they are in the right place at the right time. I stress to them that WCL is the right law school for them and will provide the adequate substantive and practical tools to succeed in any sector they select. And lastly, I want students to respect the privilege they have to obtain a legal education and the responsibilities that come along with it.
Q: Does teaching complement what you do as an Assistant General Counsel for DC Courts? How so?
A: Yes, it does. I draw on my experience and the experiences of other colleagues to formulate class discussion and assignments. I bring examples of real-life of scenarios, ethical dilemmas and legal disputes into the classroom in an effort to prepare the students for the types of issues they may encounter outside of the walls of WCL.
Q: What are you most excited about as an instructor?
A: I enjoy watching and being a part of the evolution of what I call, “the law student becomes a lawyer.” At the beginning of the semester, students are timid, unsure and reserved. As the semester goes along, they find their voice and become more comfortable in their respective field placements and within the classroom. By the end of the semester, students are more confident, directed and assertive. I truly enjoy being a part of the students’ growth process.
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