Even after their time with the Miami Law’s Professional Responsibility and Ethics Program, PREP alumni remain tied to it. As proud members of a diverse alumni group, we celebrate their professional achievements, personal growth, and contribution to the PREP legacy!
Here’s James Lechter, J.D. Class of 2013. James has since moved to Canton, Ohio, where he is the Global Compliance Counsel on the Ethics & Compliance team of Diebold Nixdorf.
Please share your best PREP memory and share any way in which you think your PREP experience has benefited you in your
“Before law school I had only known sneaky TV lawyers and ruthless movie judges. The Professional Responsibility and Ethics Program was my first real “seat at the table” to speak with lawyers & judges (all far more intelligent and experienced than myself) as colleagues. It was immediately apparent how engaged they were and how earnestly they cared about doing the right thing. That stuck.”
Where have you been working since you graduated and where are you now?
“After graduation I began work with UnitedLex, a disruptive transformation in the “business of law” ecosystem. I cut my teeth on consultant-led litigation services, leaving me with a fondness for process design, accountability, auditability, and cost & risk management. In 2016, I joined Diebold Nixdorf, a world leader in self service finance solutions, and serve as Global Compliance Counsel. The role focuses on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, investigations, and training & education.”
What advice would you offer to current law students or recent graduates?
“You’re going to inadvertently disclose privileged information (or receive it). Odds are, by way of auto-filled email recipients. Regardless how careful you are: it’s not if, it’s when. Learn the disclosure laws beforehand. Abide the code. Don’t lie. Never squander your reputation for short term gains. When you escalate the matter, be prepared to explain the full extent of the breach; the sensitivity of the data; the unintended recipients; and the process gap that allowed it to occur. That said, there are always 10 extra seconds to check the TO/CC/BCC metadata. The experience is nauseating… I’ve been told.”
Describe Miami Law in three words.
“Rights, Honors, Privileges”
