Jim Etri Meets with SMU Pre-Law Students to Discuss Legal Career Path

Whalen Law Office Of Counsel Jim Etri recently met with students from the SMU Office of Pre-Law Advising for lunch and a discussion about law school, the legal profession, and his professional journey.

The visit allowed pre-law students to hear directly from Etri about his path to becoming an attorney, his experience at SMU Dedman School of Law, and the realities and demands that can come with a career in law.

As an SMU Dedman School of Law alumnus, Etri was able to speak from both a student and professional perspective. His conversation encouraged students to think broadly about the different paths available within the legal profession and the range of experiences that can shape a legal career.

A Career Spanning Private Practice and Federal Enforcement

Etri joined Whalen Law Office as Of Counsel after more than 20 years with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Enforcement Division.

During his SEC tenure, he investigated and supervised matters involving complex financial reporting and accounting fraud, whistleblower protections, Ponzi schemes, insider trading, and other securities enforcement issues. His work included obtaining investigative testimony from executives, auditors, and legal counsel and working alongside state and federal regulators and law enforcement agencies.

He also served as a Special Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division in connection with an accounting fraud matter.

Before joining the SEC, Etri practiced at Baker & McKenzie and served as a briefing attorney at the Dallas Court of Appeals.

At Whalen Law Office, his practice focuses on securities-related and white-collar investigations, regulatory matters, and compliance issues.

Supporting Future Members of the Legal Profession

The SMU Office of Pre-Law Advising organized the visit to allow students to learn about the legal profession from an attorney with experience across private practice, federal enforcement, and regulatory matters.

Following the event, Etri thanked SMU Pre-Law and Susan Harris for hosting and described the students as a group with bright futures.

Whalen Law Office is pleased to see members of the firm sharing their experience with students considering careers in law.

About Jim Etri

James “Jim” Etri is Of Counsel at Whalen Law Office, where his practice focuses on securities-related and white-collar investigations. He previously spent more than 20 years with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Enforcement Division and is a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law.