The Legal Eagle: Early Career in Law
Megyn Kelly has become a household name, a figure synonymous with sharp questioning, insightful commentary, and a career trajectory that has taken her from the heights of Fox News to her current ventures in independent media. Her presence on television has sparked debates, challenged norms, and solidified her position as a prominent voice in the landscape of American journalism. While her years as a news anchor are well-documented, less widely known is the foundation upon which her broadcasting success was built. Megyn Kelly’s professional journey began not in a newsroom, but in the hallowed halls of law, where she honed the skills of research, analysis, and argumentation that would later define her distinct approach to journalism. Understanding Megyn Kelly’s job before she became a media personality provides valuable insight into the development of her critical thinking, her assertive interviewing style, and her ability to navigate complex legal and political issues with authority.
This article delves into the often-overlooked chapter of Megyn Kelly’s professional life, exploring her experiences as a practicing attorney and examining how this early career significantly influenced her transition to journalism and ultimately, shaped her influential role in the media.
To truly understand the Megyn Kelly who challenged presidential candidates and dissected intricate legal battles on national television, it is crucial to rewind the clock to her days as a law student and practicing attorney. After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Syracuse University, Kelly pursued her legal education at Albany Law School, where she graduated with honors. These early academic achievements laid the groundwork for her entry into the competitive world of law.
Upon graduating, Megyn Kelly embarked on her legal career, joining Bickel & Brewer, a law firm based in Chicago. Here, she immersed herself in the intricacies of corporate defense litigation. Her work involved representing major companies in a wide range of complex commercial disputes. Following her time in Chicago, she transitioned to Jones Day, another prominent law firm, where she continued her focus on corporate litigation. Details on specific cases she handled at both firms may be difficult to come by due to client confidentiality, but the nature of her work at both firms demanded meticulous research, rigorous analysis, and persuasive argumentation skills, capabilities that would later prove invaluable in her journalistic endeavors.
During her time as a lawyer, Megyn Kelly developed a keen eye for detail and an ability to dissect complex legal issues, breaking them down into digestible components. She learned to construct compelling arguments, anticipate opposing viewpoints, and defend her clients’ interests with unwavering conviction. Moreover, she honed her communication skills, mastering the art of presenting information clearly and persuasively, whether in written briefs or oral arguments. These skills were not only essential for success in the courtroom, but also proved to be highly transferable to the world of journalism.
However, despite her success in the legal field, Kelly began to feel a growing sense of dissatisfaction. The long hours, the intense pressure, and the adversarial nature of litigation took their toll. She found herself yearning for a career that would allow her to engage with a broader range of issues and to make a more direct impact on public discourse. This desire for a different path led her to a pivotal decision: to leave the security of her legal career and embark on a new adventure in the world of news.
From Law to News: The Transition
Leaving a stable and well-paying career as a lawyer to pursue a career in journalism was a bold move, one that required courage, determination, and a willingness to start over. Megyn Kelly’s transition from law to news was not instantaneous; it involved a gradual process of acquiring new skills and building a professional network in a completely different field.
Kelly began her career in journalism as a reporter for WJLA-TV, an ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C. In this role, she covered a wide range of local news stories, from crime and politics to community events. While she had no formal training in journalism, her legal background proved to be a significant asset. Her ability to research complex issues, to analyze information critically, and to ask probing questions set her apart from many of her peers.
The transition from the structured world of law to the fast-paced environment of a newsroom was not without its challenges. Kelly had to learn the fundamentals of journalism, including how to write concise and engaging news stories, how to conduct effective interviews, and how to present information in a clear and unbiased manner. She also had to adapt to the often-demanding schedule of a news reporter, working long hours and covering breaking news events at a moment’s notice.
Despite these challenges, Kelly embraced her new career with enthusiasm and determination. She sought out opportunities to learn from experienced journalists, honing her skills and developing her own unique style. She quickly established herself as a reliable and credible reporter, earning the respect of her colleagues and the trust of her audience.
During her time at WJLA-TV, Kelly covered a number of high-profile stories that showcased her legal expertise and her ability to navigate complex issues. These experiences further solidified her decision to pursue a career in journalism and laid the foundation for her future success in the field. The most critical skill she brought from her previous job before was an unshakeable understanding of how to get to the truth.
The Influence of Law on Kelly’s Broadcasting Style
Megyn Kelly’s prior experience as a lawyer profoundly influenced her broadcasting style and shaped her approach to journalism. Her legal training instilled in her a unique set of skills and perspectives that distinguished her from many of her colleagues in the media.
One of the most notable aspects of Kelly’s broadcasting style is her analytical approach to news. She has a remarkable ability to dissect complex issues, to identify the key arguments and evidence, and to present them in a clear and concise manner. This analytical approach is a direct result of her legal training, which taught her to think critically, to evaluate evidence objectively, and to construct persuasive arguments.
In her interviews, Kelly often employs a legal-minded approach, asking probing questions, challenging assumptions, and holding her guests accountable for their statements. Her legal background also equipped her with the ability to quickly identify inconsistencies, contradictions, and misleading statements, allowing her to effectively fact-check her guests in real-time.
Kelly’s legal training also instilled in her a strong sense of fairness and objectivity. While she is known for her strong opinions and her willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, she also strives to present all sides of an issue and to allow her guests to express their views without interruption. This commitment to fairness and objectivity is a reflection of the ethical principles that she learned as a lawyer.
Of course, Kelly’s legal background has also been subject to criticism. Some have argued that her legal training may have led her to be overly critical or argumentative, while others have suggested that her background may have influenced her political views. However, Kelly has consistently maintained that her legal training has made her a better journalist, allowing her to approach news stories with a more critical and analytical eye.
Conclusion
Megyn Kelly’s journey from a successful corporate defense lawyer to a prominent media personality is a testament to her versatility, her determination, and her willingness to embrace new challenges. While she is widely recognized for her broadcasting career, it is important to remember that her professional journey began long before she graced the anchor desk. Her formative experiences in law provided her with a unique set of skills and perspectives that significantly shaped her approach to journalism and public discourse.
Megyn Kelly’s job before she entered the world of news, while different on the surface, was an ideal preparation for the demands of broadcasting. Her analytical skills, her ability to question authority, and her commitment to fairness and objectivity were all honed during her time as a practicing attorney. These qualities, combined with her intelligence, her charisma, and her unwavering work ethic, propelled her to the forefront of American journalism.
As Kelly continues to evolve her career in independent media, it is clear that her legal background will continue to influence her work, shaping her approach to news and commentary, and providing her with a distinct perspective on the complex issues facing society. Her story underscores the idea that diverse experiences can enrich one’s professional life, leading to unforeseen opportunities and ultimately, to greater success. The foundation she built in law not only shaped her career, but also empowered her voice in the critical conversations that define our times.
