Sacramento Attorney Says The Desire To Practice Law Is Essential
People have no real experience with the court system unless they either work in law or find themselves in some sort of legal predicament. With over 30 years of experience serving Sacramento County, Michael Chastaine has been an attorney in different capacities, serving in Northern California representing and educating clients with their legal matters. Oftentimes, Chastaine doesn't just guide clients through legal waters, but helps them understand the root of their legal troubles.
What does your job entail?
"I represent persons accused of criminal conduct. My firm has a focus on DUIs and sex offenses, however, we handle every type of case involving criminal conduct. We also do a great deal of work with people who are trying to clean up their criminal history. From expungement and record clearance to certificates of rehabilitation."
What do you enjoy most about your job?
"Helping people get their lives back on track. Most criminal offenses are linked to other problems like drug and alcohol abuse or some other type of trauma. We work hard at trying to find the trigger that got the person in trouble in the first place and then help them address that issue. I also enjoy the tactical part of the job. Working with a client to build a defense by examining all of the evidence and trying to determine what will work in front of a jury or judge."
What was your education like?
"I received a BA in Political Science from Cal State Hayward (now called Cal State East Bay) and got my J.D. from Santa Clara University, School of Law. I also attended a summer session at Magdalen College in Oxford England studying jurisprudence. I also have had a number of great mentors over my career. While not formal education, these mentors did more to help me with my practice and any other single thing."
Do you think your education has helped?
"Getting a law degree is required to practice law. But law school only gives you the background information to actually do the job. The real nuts and bolts are learned on the job and with mentors."
Any advice for someone seeking a similar career?
"First, unless you have a very strong desire to practice law, find some other line of work. The practice of law is difficult and not particularly profitable any more. There is a glut of attorneys in California and it is extremely competitive to make a living. If you have that burning desire to practice law, finding a good mentor is the key. Multiple mentors are even better. Someone that you can trust and help you work out the difficult issues that often arise."
Paulo Acoba is a California native raised in the Bay Area and living in the Central Valley. He enjoys distance running, cycling and grassroots motorsports. He holds a degree in management from the University of California Merced. Paulo has been writing for Examiner.com since 2012 and covering the Fresno area.
