Sydney Schmidt is a judicial staff attorney at the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court. She graduated from Jacksonville University College of Law this past May, earning the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence. We sat down with her to discuss her career aspirations.
AALM: Tell us what initially drew you to a practice of law. What goals do you have for your career?
SS: I wish I could say that I was drawn to the practice of law as a child and always knew that I wanted to be an attorney, but that is just not the case. As a child of a lawyer, I knew growing up that I wanted to be anything but a lawyer. As a child, you see the long hours and working on vacation, and think, ‘Why would anyone ever want to do this?’ However, when I heard that Jacksonville University was opening a law school, I thought that it sounded like a great opportunity and went in with an open mind. Law school was a transformative experience where I learned that the long hours and working on vacation are all worth it when you can help someone solve a problem. In the future, I want to become more involved in local and state bar organizations. There are many areas of the law that I find interesting, and I hope to continue learning and further expand my knowledge base in the future.
AALM: What advice would you give to law students and other young lawyers?
SS: My number one piece of advice is: say yes. Whether it is a local bar event, lunch with a seasoned attorney, or an opportunity to volunteer, just show up and have an open mind. Some people tell me that they wish they had the connections or mentors I have had, but I didn’t do anything special; I was just there. I know that after working or going to class all day, you’re tired, and perhaps still have work or studying to do, but there will always be a dozen reasons why you cannot do something. But if you find the one reason why you can, you never know who you will meet or what you will learn.
AALM: Following graduation, you started as a judicial staff attorney at the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court. Can you tell us what drew you to this role and what you’ve enjoyed so far?
SS: What initially drew me to the role was the opportunity to improve my research and writing skills as well as the chance to learn from the esteemed judges of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Since starting my role, I have thoroughly enjoyed the mentorship from my fellow staff attorneys and the opportunity to learn about postconviction motions, which I had limited experience with during law school. I have also enjoyed learning about the trial and appeal process, as well as how the courthouse operates.
AALM: Can you tell us about any mentors you’ve had and any legal professionals you admire?
SS: I feel incredibly fortunate to have had so many amazing mentors. The first of which are my amazing parents, John and Penny Schmidt, who have always taught me the value of hard work. During law school, I had many mentors at the Jacksonville University College of Law, including Deans Allard, Dees, Barclay, Taggart, and Griggs, as well as my amazing Professors Reiber, DeVito, and Knight. I would never have pursued a leadership role in JWLA so early without the guidance of Kimberly Woods, Brittany Ford, and Sarah Morris. I would also like to thank Craig Shoup, Dave Chauncey, Kayla Haines Herrin, and Adam Prom for encouraging my involvement in the Jacksonville Bar. I am sure I have forgotten someone, but I am truly so thankful for the support given to me by the entire Jacksonville legal community.
AALM: You have already become involved in the legal community through the Jacksonville Bar YLD and the JWLA. What have you enjoyed about your work in the community and how do you hope to become more involved?
SS: I have most enjoyed meeting and getting to know other lawyers as well as having the opportunity to give back to my local community. One of my favorite events of the year is the YLS’s Chili Cookoff, where I get to spend time and meet local attorneys, and raise money for local charities. This year, I will be serving on the Chili committee for the second year and am so excited for this year’s event and the charity we are raising money for, St. Mary’s Food Pantry. In the future, I would like to become more involved with state-level bar organizations and join local nonprofit organizations, allowing me to further give back to my hometown.
AALM: Tell us a little about your life outside the law. Any hobbies?
SS: Outside of work, I love spending time with my friends and family as well as my two dachshunds, Archie and Jughead. I am a self-proclaimed Disney Adult and have been fortunate enough, because my dad is a travel agent, to travel all around the world. Our next big trips are to Portugal for my mother’s birthday and to Napa for a friend’s wedding. When I am home, you can find me baking a new recipe, exploring local Jacksonville events, and, of course, cheering on the Jags on Sunday.
