Occupation: Attorney
Education: Northwood HS (Academy of Politics, Advocacy, and Law),
University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of Maryland Law School
You thought about becoming a park ranger or a police chief. How did you settle on being an attorney?
I attended the Academy of Politics, Advocacy, and Law at Northwood, and that opened a whole world of career options I didn’t know about. Attorneys from different fields would visit our class, and I had a big “aha” moment when we met the general counsel for a hotel chain. That’s when I learned that lawyers don’t necessarily spend all of their time in court on criminal matters.
What kind of law do you practice?
I focus on business litigation and employment law. I’m helping small businesses keep their doors open by making sure they’re following the law. When a business gets sued, I represent them in court.
Did your high school academy experience give you an edge in college or law school?
Without a doubt. I had a much stronger background in writing than my college classmates. My teacher, Ms. Bisset, had us writing all of the time! We wrote papers, briefs, motions, you name it. Writing came easier to me because of all the practice I had in high school. We also learned about the workings of all three branches of the government and the many different ways that the law can be interpreted. My friends in law school didn’t really have this kind of foundational understanding that I learned in high school. When I started law school, I knew how to research cases, analyze the law, and write briefs. I had a head start, so it was a less difficult transition for me.
What skills did you learn in the high school program that have helped in your career?
To be a successful attorney, you need to have strong analytical and communications skills. I learned those skills in high school. If I took a position, I knew how to research it thoroughly from all angles and was able to defend it. In addition to persuasive writing, we had a lot of practice speaking in public and doing mock trials. I learned the importance of thoroughness, tenacity, attention to detail, and high standards. When I think back that I learned all of this while I was still in high school, it’s pretty incredible. I can trace my career today directly back to those experiences.
What advice would you give to 14-year-old Clifford Glover?
Aim high, don’t underestimate yourself, and be open to new possibilities. I always knew I was going to college but I didn’t think I could become an attorney. I thought for sure that I was going to do something in law enforcement. The more I learned in high school, the more confident I became about my abilities and about the different options I could pursue. There will always be times when you have doubts, but you can’t let them get the best of you. If you work hard and keep your eyes on the prize, there is no limit to what you can do.