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Feature Friday
What is your current role and what are your main responsibilities?
I recently earned my master’s degree in Trial Advocacy and completed an internship, where I was actively involved in a wide range of litigation tasks. During my internship, I worked on civil rights cases, including Monell claims, conducted legal research, reviewed medical records, and assisted with motions related to name change petitions. I regularly observed court proceedings at the 7th Circuit, attended strategy meetings, and participated in trial preparation, including witness preparation and jury selection observation. Prior to coming to the U.S., I worked for several years in state administration abroad. I am currently seeking opportunities to apply my experience and commitment to advocacy in a meaningful legal role.
Tell us a little about your career path. How did you get here?
My journey began shortly after law school, working in a law office in Belgrade. Soon after, I joined the state administration, where I worked in the legal department for nearly six years. In 2022, I made the decision to pursue legal education in the U.S. It was a big shift, but one I felt deeply called to. I chose Trial Advocacy because I’m passionate about advocacy, human stories, and building strong cases. I truly believe it’s never too late to choose yourself and follow your real calling.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Energy. Joy. Dedication. These values guide everything I do, whether it’s in my studies, professional roles, or relationships with others.
Please share a brief overview of your career path and how you got to where you are today, including what inspired you to pursue a career in law.
I’ve always been drawn to justice, structure, and using the law to help people. Working in both private and public sectors confirmed that I thrive in environments where I can think critically and act with purpose. I want to be someone who advocates not just with legal skill, but with heart and empathy.
Who has had the greatest influence on your professional development, and how?
My first principal had a profound impact on me. She primarily worked on restitution and property law, but it was her approach to the work that left a lasting impression. Her energy, professionalism, and the way she celebrated both small wins and big successes stayed with me. She showed me that it's possible to be deeply committed to your career while staying grounded in your values and family life.
Tara Orovic Dorgievski
Attorney
What skills or qualities do you believe are most important for success in the legal profession?
I believe stability, dedication, and a broad, forward-thinking mindset are key. Being adaptable, staying one step ahead, and showing up as your authentic self are also qualities that make a strong and compassionate legal professional.
What are some of your most significant professional achievements?
One of my proudest achievements was contributing to a complex restitution case early in my career. I wrote the final appeal in the case, which played a key role in a successful claim. Seeing justice served in that way was incredibly rewarding and that situation always stayed with me, probably to remind me of work that truly matters to me.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Stay true to yourself. It sounds simple, but it’s something I come back to in every major decision. Also, I love a quote I came across recently: “Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument.” As someone who values clarity and purpose in advocacy, this really speaks to me. It’s a reminder that confidence doesn’t have to be loud, it just has to be well-reasoned.
How do you balance your professional and personal life?
I love the saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” If something matters to me, I make time for it. It's not always perfect, but I believe it's important not to lose sight of your priorities and what truly brings you joy.
Please share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that not many people know.
I used to play volleyball as a kid, and honestly, I was pretty good! (Or at least that’s what I still tell myself.) Maybe it was raw talent, maybe it was just pure love for the game, but probably a bit of both. These days, I still enjoy beach volleyball, not just for the sport, but because it brings me back to that joyful period of my life.
What do you hope to get out of the Serbian Attorney Association?
I’m excited to learn from professionals who have successfully built their careers here in the U.S., and I hope to connect with mentors and peers who can share valuable insights. I also hope my journey might inspire others, especially those who think it’s too late to start over. It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has helped me grow, as a legal professional and as a person.
Feature Friday
