Meet RCBA member Jacob Glass, in-house counsel for Enbridge Energy and a member of the Minnesota American Indian Bar Association and the RCBA Board of Directors. Learn more about how he chose to focus on Indian and energy law, how clerkships helped him in his career, and lessons he’s learned from mentors.
How did you get involved with the RCBA?
As a member of the Minnesota American Indian Bar Association, we have one member that serves on the Board of Directors for the RCBA. The representative that served before me was retiring and reached out to ask if I would serve. As I lived, worked, and went to school within Ramsey County, I felt it was, and has been, a great opportunity to get more involved in the local legal community.
What led you to a career in law?
What led me to a career in law is my father being an attorney. Growing up with that influence, I think law was a natural choice, although my father advised me against becoming an attorney when I first showed interest!
How did you choose your practice area?
Throughout my time in law school, Indian/energy law was a focus for me. As a descendant of White Earth Nation, I had and continue to have a natural draw to Indian law and have enjoyed being able to gain experience in this area during my time in law school as well as over the past four years as a practicing attorney. As far as my choice of energy law, as my father is a practicing attorney in the energy sector, this practice area was again a natural choice and one I have been familiar with my entire life. Additionally, being able to bring Native American representation to this practice area was a huge draw.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
You are exactly where you need to be.
What’s one lesson from law school that stuck with you? And/or advice you would give a law student?
Clerkships/externships. Find companies/agencies that interest you and get that real world experience. In law school, I clerked for five different state agencies, receiving credit for doing so, and building my resume at the same time. That decision has been invaluable for my career and allowed me to skip some law school classes that I knew I would be irrelevant for me.
Do you have or have you had a mentor/mentee? What’s a key lesson this experience taught you?
I had and continue to have mentors and mentees. One key lesson is that it is okay to ask questions. As a law student, meeting with an established attorney can seem daunting but for the most part, people that are willing to be mentors are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
How do you unwind and add balance into your week?
Hanging out with my wife and two-year-old son. Keeps things in perspective.