- Member Spotlight
Jered Davidson, The Public Finance Law Group PLLC Oklahoma City, OK
The Ballard Scholarship is truly an exceptional opportunity. There are very few programs out there that encourage and allow law students to attend educational events or learn more about a particular practice area. Public finance is unique in that there really isn’t a course offered in law school that opens the door to the practice.
When did you first become interested in law?
I have wanted to be an attorney since kindergarten. My mother worked as a legal assistant in a small firm and later in the Court Clerk’s office. I grew up in and around the County Courthouse, often doing my homework or reading in the law library after school. Every attorney that would come in would always spend a little time talking to me and motivating me to study hard. It was a great environment to grow up in and be able to learn from great members of our community.
How has your participation and membership in NABL helped your career?
NABL has really provided a community for me to learn and explore within the public finance area. There are some great educational resources available to all members and the trainings are first class. In addition, my participation in NABL events and forums have led to friendships and working relationships that span the country which provide a great resource as my practice has continued to develop.
As a past recipient of the Frederic L Ballard, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program, what advice would you give law students on why they should apply?
The Ballard Scholarship is truly an exceptional opportunity. There are very few programs out there that encourage and allow law students to attend educational events or learn more about a particular practice area. Public finance is unique in that there really isn’t a course offered in law school that opens the door to the practice. The scholarship covers the cost of travel and attendance at The Essentials and provides a great opportunity to network and meet established practitioners from across the country who are more than happy to share their expertise.
What were the most important takeaway you received from attending NABL U’s The Essentials (formerly Fundamentals)?
From a scholarship recipient perspective and later as an attendee as a young associate, The Essentials provides a strong base for issue spotting in various public finance transactions which can be overwhelming for a new attorney. The entire curriculum is designed to break down the numerous and often complex topics encountered by those new to bond law and how all of the pieces of the puzzle fit together to close a deal. I really appreciated the time and effort the panelists put into preparing and just letting the attendees participate and get comfortable with the lingo.
What advice would you give young associates and law students interested in a career in public finance?
There is a saying along the lines of “the only stupid questions are the ones that don’t get asked.” The public finance practice is filled with so many great and very unique opportunities. I highly encourage those new to the practice to find a mentor and stay in contact with them, as you are just getting started. Law school is great at teaching you the law, but often terrible at teaching you how to be a lawyer and maintain a practice. That is why I am excited to be involved as one of the moderators for the new NABL Connect community for those New to Bond Law/Young Attorneys to help provide resources for those new to the public finance practice.