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State Risk Manager’s Career Path All about Hard Work, Opportunity

BYU Law School’s Career Services kicked off its professional development lecture series  with a visit from Tani Downing, the State Risk Manager for the state of Utah. Speaking mostly to1L students, Downing shared experiences from her law career, an unexpected journey filled with challenge and opportunity.

Downing’s career took a different path than she anticipated as a law student. After graduation, a young law student and newlywed, she found herself in Honolulu, Hawaii involved in private practice working in maritime law. Later, as an Associate General Counsel for the Utah State Legislature, she spent several years drafting bills affecting public utilities, weapons, taxes, energy and natural resources and economic development.

Downing continued to work hard and take advantage of the subsequent opportunities that came her way. Her work experience and golden reputation drew the attention of Governor John Huntsman, who appointed her Deputy Chief of Staff and General Counsel. She was appointed the State Risk Manager in 2009. Honest, hard work and being willing to learn a variety of skills opened doors for her that helped her to gain the experience necessary for the position she holds today.

“You can work in one area and stay there your whole career or you can get in the door and experience a variety of positions, learning lots of different things,” she said. “There are many steps you can take once you get in the door.”

According to Downing, “getting in the door” begins with taking advantage of opportunities in law school, such as externships and clerkships.

First year law student Garret Wilcox, came away from the lecture impressed by Downing’s story, and is interesting in pursuing government work once he graduates. “The lecture was very informative,” Wilcox said. “Her stories and experiences were definitely eye-opening.”
           

Posted:January 11, 2013