Kevin Stokes

Accounting/Economics major

Law school –Michigan State University

We caught up with this College of Business grad to see where his education has taken him.  He shared his story along with some great advice.
What are you doing now?
I am currently a law clerk for Speaker Law Firm, PLLC, a boutique appellate law firm in Lansing, Michigan. I write appellate briefs for Lisa Speaker’s review in cases as they are assigned to me.

Do you feel like it was a good choice? If so, why?
Findlay prepared me to pass the CPA exam on my first try, and gave me a strong basis of knowledge upon which I excelled professionally before quitting my career and going to law school at Michigan State University College of Law.

Was there a faculty member who has inspired you?
Professor Doug Asbury, with whom I took many accounting classes, inspired me to always do my best. He was an ideal role model, and I hope that he is enjoying his retirement. He was charismatic and had a delightful sense of humor, but didn’t let either stop him from working incredibly hard on the things that he found important.

What skills did you learn that help you in your current job?
Most of the knowledge that I learned in Findlay doesn’t directly translate to my legal career. Findlay’s professors, however, did instill into me a strong work ethic, and an appreciation for the differences between theory and practice. The ability to manage big picture ideas and minutia has been extremely helpful in my study of law.

What do you like best about your job?
I am given a lot of autonomy to provide my best work, and I get constructive feedback so I can keep improving my craft. I appreciate the care and development my boss provides to myself and the rest of her staff.

What advice do you have for students who want to pursue accounting or economics?
As with most fields, I think that internships are paramount. Practical work experience gives a perspective practically unattainable in the classroom. That said, not all internships are created equal. Whether paid or not, make sure that you are going to learn something from your internship. Your time is too valuable.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I switched my majors in college, switched my career a few years after graduation, and changed my future legal career goals during law school. Reevaluating your pursuits, opportunities, and goals is imperative to walking a fulfilling career path.

What do/did you love about being an Oiler?
The small campus was really enjoyable, particularly on sunny days. One of the most difficult things about going to law school at Michigan State was the amount of students and the (large) size of the campus.
How did Stokes begin his journey?  Click here to read about his undergraduate experiences at UF.