Finding your purpose isn’t always a straight path. Judge William L. Dawson didn’t wake up one day thinking, I want to go into law. No, he was happy to simply graduate high school and keep his mom off his back. Listen as he shares his story and why he is so passionate about his role today.
When Judge Dawson was a kid, he was doing things that likely would have landed him in jail had he been caught. His mom was an amazing woman and rather than disappoint her, he made sure to graduate. After high school he decided to go into music, but realized that he needed something more stable.
He finally made his way to college where he pursued a degree in finance. From there he got a job as an insurance adjuster and realized that he loved interacting with attorneys. He went to night school, got his law degree, and started practicing as an attorney.
After several twists and turns and his own mistreatment by the court system, he knew that he needed to push and become a judge. He wanted to empower those in his community and let them know that there is such a thing as compassion in the law.
He’s sharing all of the twists and turns as well as the turning point case that inspired him to create the Cycle Breaker program. Listen in to learn all about the law and why it’s so important to make connections and keep pushing on through adversity.
In this episode:
[00:31] Welcome Judge Dawson to the show to share his career journey.
[02:27] From finance degree, to insurance, to a degree in law.
[03:40] Why law school is an asset no matter if you use it or not.
[04:43] How his career in law started off.
[06:19] He started his own firm while being a public defendant at the same time.
[07:28] Why he decided to run to become a judge.
[10:10] The mission that pushed him to become a judge.
[12:17] Judge Dawson remembers his first case as an attorney but not as a judge.
[13:30] He was a great defender but he realized he wasn’t helping people change their lives.
[15:09] Why he wouldn’t go back to being a public defender if he ever loses his seat as a judge.
[15:48] Learn about the Cycle Breakers Movement.
[18:46] The importance of having Black male judges to serve the community.
[19:57] Rachael shares why it’s important that leaders acknowledge moments when people actually try and show respect.
[22:18] His advice for a young person coming out of high school.
[24:06] The pros and cons of being a judge.
[28:32] Connect with Judge Dawson and Cycle Breakers.
Links and Resources:
Connect with Judge Dawson:
The Cycle Breaker by Judge William L. Dawson
Judge Dawson’s Website
Judge Dawson on Instagram
Judge Dawson on Twitter
Judge Dawson on YouTube
Here Comes the Judge Podcast
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Thank you for listening and always remember and encourage youth when exploring careers and entrepreneurship to... "Think Outside the Box"
