At Jackson Walker, our values stem from our goal of creating a positive impact in all that we do – whether we are volunteering with community organizations or are mentoring the next generation of leaders. For Dallas associate Natalie Kosydar, providing first-hand, real-world knowledge to students in high school and law school is a rewarding experience.
In a Skype conference with high-school students enrolled in Nepris, Natalie shared general advice about a career in the law, including the different directions that can be taken, the process of taking the bar exam, and considerations for law school. Designed with educators in mind, Nepris is a web-based solution that connects teachers and students with industry leaders and professionals without having to spend much planning time or leave the classroom.
The February 2019 session, entitled “A Career as a Lawyer,” was Natalie’s third with Nepris. She first became involved in November 2016 when she advised students creating business plans about the most important legal issues to be aware of for their business plans. In April 2018, she joined a session on “Micro-Enterprise Credential -Law TDickens,” during which she listened to and critiqued a student’s self-assessment of skills and capabilities.
“Nepris does a great job reducing the barriers to speak with students who are on the other side of the nation. Having spoken in three sessions now, I have really enjoyed interacting with the teachers and students,” Natalie said. “It’s nice to know that teachers are actively seeking attorneys who are practicing law in the real world to share real-life experiences with prospective attorneys.”
In addition to her involvement as a Nepris mentor, Natalie mentors two associates in the Corporate & Securities practice at Jackson Walker and a law student at Southern Methodist University. As the mentor of a law school student, Natalie talks with her mentee about classes, finals, study tips, and job searches.
“Mentorship is all about having open, honest conversations,” she added. “The more you get to know one another, you become friends and learn from each other.”
“Mentorship is all about having open, honest conversations.”
To explore our attorneys’ continued efforts to partner with several initiatives across the nation to reach students at each level of education and help grow their knowledge of the law, visit the Diversity & Inclusion and Recruitment pages.
Meet Natalie
Natalie M. Kosydar is an associate in the Corporate & Securities practice of Jackson Walker’s Dallas office. In addition to negotiating and drafting documents for complex mergers and acquisitions, she handles joint venture formation, outside counsel representation, and general corporate matters. Natalie received her J.D., cum laude, from the Notre Dame Law School and her B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Michigan.
