Editor Profile Joan Davis

I decided at the age of 14 that I wanted to be a lawyer. My interest in law resulted in part from a fascination with criminal law – not just Perry Mason, but news accounts of actual crimes. That law school, unlike medical school and other professional programs, requires no particular college courses for admission was another significant attraction. I could major in my favorite (not very marketable) subjects, English and Spanish, and spend minimal time on math and science. When the law school acceptances rolled in during my senior year of college, I thought I was set for life.

I didn’t dislike law school. I liked many of the courses, and the education in general was excellent. Unfortunately the more I heard from alums and older students about career options within law, the more “turned off” I felt. My criminal law bubble burst after I spent several months as an intern in the Queens County (New York) District Attorney’s Office. It was all just too sad. I felt sorry for the defendants nearly as often as I felt sorry for the victims. And the assistant district attorneys who had worked there more than a few years seemed dead emotionally. When I learned of openings for editors at a Rochester, New York legal publishing company (now the giant Thomson/West), I applied immediately.

I was very happy living in Rochester (my husband and I met there at work), and initially enjoyed my writing/editing job. Gradually, however, I began to need more human interaction. I found a position in the legal department of a bank and had my first and only experience in the world of big business. This definitely was NOT for me so I made a big move away from law: From 1985 to 2003, I was an academic and premedical adviser at the University of Rochester. I thoroughly enjoyed working individually with students and alums, and I used my writing background to assist with essay review and editing and prepare comprehensive letters of recommendation for thousands of medical school applicants. I especially enjoyed working with non-traditional applicants balancing work and family commitments while taking premedical courses. My all-time favorite applicant was a 40-ish mother of two. The University of Rochester School of Medicine was her first choice because of the difficulties relocation would have caused. Not only was she accepted there, but I received a gushing phone call, singing her praises, from the admissions committee member who interviewed her. I’m looking forward now to building new relationships with individuals of all ages who are planning careers, be they in medicine , business, law, or academia.

On the personal side, I’ve been living on the Eastern Shore of Maryland for nearly two years. I love the warmer climate and proximity to the ocean, and my husband and I spend as much time as we can traveling. I’m still a crime buff; crime stories and mysteries continue to be among my favorite reading interests. When I am not advising clients or reading a brand new whodunit, I also enjoy music (classic rock, blues) and gardening.

Would you like to work with Joan on your application? Just fill out an inquiry including any information you think will be helpful. Joan will contact you ASAP.