Sequel: Whit Slagsvol

Welcome to Sequel, a series spotlighting our talented alumni and the strides they’ve made in their field post-graduation.

Does anyone really ever know what they want to do after college? Not really. Life happens mysteriously and by chance, even if you try to plan out the details. At least, this is what it was like for alumnus Whit Slagsvol who became a lawyer after getting an English degree at College of Charleston. He says, “it was a bit of an accident that I went to law school in the first place… I met a professor at the College School of Law and he mentioned that an English major was a great foundation for law school.”

Slagsvol is from South Carolina but went to high school in Virginia. He says he chose the College because it was “in [his] efforts to return home.” He further states that along with the College’s location, the city offers a quality of life that cannot be beaten. Wanting to remain in The Holy City, he chose to attend the Charleston School of Law. He says, “The skills you hone, as an English major, are invaluable in life, not just law school.”

As of now Slagsvol is an attorney in Charleston and started his own firm a little over a year ago, Slagsvol Law Firm. He works with small businesses and non-profits, but additionally works with local bands, “Entertainment law being something I have always been interested in.”

His has tons of advice for current students. What is great about the English major is that it promotes the ability to read and critically analyze complex concepts and discuss them in writing. “Reading comprehension and being a clear and effective writer are the essential skills necessary to be a lawyer,” according to Slagsvol, “In fact, I think it gives you an edge over the typical political science majors and those that are ‘pre-law’.” As for students thinking about law school, Slagsvol says, “do not let legal writing ruin the writing style that you developed throughout your studies” above all, “stay intellectually curious and remain a voracious reader.”“I cannot say for certain that my experiences with the CofC English Department had something to do with me opening my own law firm, however, I can say unequivocally that it has everything to do with who I am as a person and that’s essentially the same thing.”

“I cannot say for certain that my experiences with the CofC English Department had something to do with me opening my own law firm, however, I can say unequivocally that it has everything to do with who I am as a person and that’s essentially the same thing.”