It’s obvious that this October is like none that we’ve experienced before. However, I hope it doesn’t take away from the fact that it is Breast Cancer Awareness month. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. No one ever thinks about age when this statistic is shared, especially when you’re an up and coming lawyer.
Our guest today is not only an accomplished attorney, but also a breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed in her early 30s, Jordan Latham, not only took on breast cancer, but excelled and advanced her career in law along the way.
Story: The Journey to Becoming a Lawyer
Ryce: Welcome! I’m excited for you to share today. Can you tell us a little about how you got into law as a career?
Jordan: I knew I wanted to become a lawyer after I interned at a legal aid clinic when studying at Northwestern. I helped write affidavits for victims of domestic abuse and escorted them to court to petition for protective orders.
Ryce: You were doing the real deal work and got hooked. What was your law school journey like?
Jordan: That’s it. I knew I was going to be a litigator. So, I attended law school 2 years after graduating from Northwestern. I interned at the district attorney’s office, a law firm, the federal bankruptcy court in the Southern District, and a legal aid clinic.
Ryce: Wow, you got a little bit of everything. How did that shape your career path?
Jordan: I worked as a lawyer for an insurance defense firm for six months and realized that going to court wasn’t for me. I stumbled across a job posting for a consulting position at Ernst & Young (EY). I applied, and as they say, the rest is history.
I’ve been at EY almost 6 years and I was recently promoted to manager. I advise clients with respect to the executive compensation and benefit taxation issues. No day is exactly the same and I’m constantly learning on my job, which I enjoy. I work with a great team and enjoy my firm.
Obstacles: Navigating the Challenges to Become a Lawyer
Ryce: That’s awesome! I’m so proud of you and your accomplishments. Do mind sharing some of the challenges you had to face to get to where you are?
Jordan: The learning curve within my practice is very steep. Whenever there is a change in tax law or a new law is introduced, I have to become an expert.
Ryce: Sheesh! No pressure.
Jordan: Tell me about it. Also, at one of the busiest points in my career, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer.
Ryce: I remember. How was your disease detected?
Jordan: I was on a trip for work when I found the lump in my breast. I was arrogant enough to think, for a few days, that it was nothing and it would resolve itself. I returned home, had my husband feel it and still hesitated for a few days before going to the doctor. Thank goodness for something called intuition. I went and I was diagnosed.
Ryce: Wow. Talk about a record scratch. How did you even notice the lump?
Jordan: I had lost nearly 20lbs working out with my trainer and thank God I did. If not for that, I wouldn’t have felt the tumor. My doctors and I are very certain of that fact.
Ryce: Having a career as an attorney is tough enough. How did you manage your career, household and fight cancer all at the same time?
Jordan: Whew! A lot of prayer (from me and my tribe), self-reflection and looking at each situation from a glass half full perspective. Each experience put life into focus for me and forced me to grow more than I thought I could ever.
Ryce: Going through all of that had to have been taxing. But you did it anyway. How did you manage and what was your mind set as you overcame each challenge?
Jordan: Overcoming each challenge made me wiser. Throughout my journey, I gained more clarity. Now, I’m able to adapt to changes and uncertainty better than I was before. I’m grateful that I went through all of them.
Action: Becoming more than a Lawyer
Ryce: That’s a beautiful perspective to have. I think we could all stand to have gratitude for the challenges we face and overcome. How would you say the obstacles made you feel and how have they helped you throughout your journey?
Jordan: Thankful doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel. I don’t think I could ever articulate how this experience (fighting breast cancer) has made me feel, but what I think I’m fairly good at is expressing my gratitude for people who have the journey much easier to get through.
I’m more mature, have more peace, and I’ve learned to give myself grace. I’ve also found the beauty and value in failure and setback.
Ryce: Amen. What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in your profession?
Jordan: You have to embrace being a life-long learner. Change is going to happen. It’s up to you to be willing and able to adapt to it. Stay curious and find your passion outside of your work. The balance is necessary.
Ryce: I’ve watched you thrive in what could have been one of the most traumatic times of your life. You’ve even encouraged our family through our journey. What words of encouragement can you offer to someone young and who is diagnosed with cancer?
Jordan: What I want everyone to know is that you can push past your pain, you can lift heavy (in the gym and in life) while going through treatment. You can show up and show out if you have this team with you! No experience is the same, but having family, friend and complete strangers is beautiful because they 100% have your back.
Plan: Beyond Becoming a Attorney
Ryce: You mentioned adapting and having outside interests. What’s next for you?
Jordan: I plan to continue to work with EY and grow in my position, which will definitely have some adapting involved. I also plan on running for vice president of my Jack and Jill Chapter.
*Since this post was written, Jordan has run and won the position! Congrats!!
Ryce: I’m sure that you will excel in both. You’ve been through what can be considered one of the hardest experiences and WON. How do you use your story to encourage others?
Jordan: When asked about my story I share the failures and success. I try to convey that there is a lesson to be learned from every experience and hardship. Finally, I share it from the position that you can always come out bigger and better. It is simply a choice.
Ryce: Thank you so much for sharing Jordan! You’ll always be one of my favorite humans because of your encouragement and kindness when we needed it most. It’s my hope that your story continues to encourage others.
To find more resources about Breast Cancer Awareness, check out these websites:
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html
For more inspirational stories, check out the Assess Success Page.
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