Judiciary Speakers Inspire Woodland Park Students Interested in Legal Fields
Monday, December 23, 2024
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Photo Caption: Ms. Melanie M. Nowling (left) and Judge Rudolph Filko (right) speak at Berkeley College about potential careers and offer advice to students interested in the judiciary system.
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Judge Rudolph Filko and trial court administrator Ms. Melanie M. Nowling presented to Berkeley Woodland Park students, faculty, and staff on Tuesday, October 22, regarding their careers in the New Jersey judiciary and offered advice for those interested in working in the legal system. Held in The Gallery and coordinated by Ihor Andruch, Assistant Director of Career Services, this event drew a large crowd, leaving standing room only by the end of the hour.
Both Ms. Nowling and Judge Filko proffered advice for those who might want to pursue a career in the legal system. Ms. Nowling asserted how important it is to "be true to yourself, know what you want," and when interviewing to "be who you want to be every day." She urged students not to "put on airs" about themselves, as this would not cultivate healthy workplace relationships. Judge Filko echoed similar sentiments and suggested students "get involved with internship programs" and to "get down to courthouses as often as possible" to determine if the law is a true interest to them.
Each speaker stressed that lawyers and judges are not the only roles in the judiciary, noting that some jobs, they believe, are even more important than those romanticized by the mass media. Ms. Nowling values those people who provide some of the "most needed services to our most at-risk populations." Judge Filko iterated the importance of probation officers along with many of the workers who deal with domestic violence survivors.
Mr. Andruch noted the importance of having both speakers at Berkeley to stress the "various areas of the courts and the different career paths available to students." Though the idea of becoming a renowned litigator after a once-in-a-lifetime case might appeal to some, as glorified in many Hollywood films, the reality of working in the judiciary is often far different.
"On television shows there always seems to be a victor [in each trial]," noted Ms. Nowling, "but that's not really the case. Somebody's life is always changed irreparably." While the romanticization of courtroom television sells airtime and draws in viewers for weekly programs, Judge Filko stated that most cases "Take place over years and are a lot more involved" than what the average consumer watches. "It's much more than a trial and a verdict."
Judge Filko and Ms. Nowling shy away from courtroom dramas and similar media once they leave work each day. Ms. Nowling explained that her "staff is seriously impacted by what we deal with," and that decompressing, recharging, and taking time for self-care are critical components of the job.
Ms. Nowling and her associates strive to change the environment at their workplace, encouraging time for resiliency and teambuilding activities. They started a "'Fun-shine' Committee and a Wellness Committee," and sometimes at lunch, colleagues will get together to "play board games like Trouble, Uno, Jenga," or others. Even therapy dogs were brought into the office to help the associates de-stress.
While each job in the judiciary system has its stressors, both Ms. Nowling and Judge Filko encouraged students to "find their niche" and not pigeonhole themselves to one sector of the system.
Unsure if the judiciary system is your niche? Stay in touch with Career Services for more upcoming events! Access Career Services at https://berkeleycollege.edu/student-life/career-services/index.html.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans for 11 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2023-2024 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
The mission of Berkeley College is to empower students to achieve lifelong success.
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