Bridgett McMahan, a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University-Duncan School of Law (LMU Law) and the current president of BESCO & Engert, LLC, built a career that transitioned from practicing law to corporate leadership. With a background in contract administration, legal affairs, and compliance, she now leads a major company, applying her legal training to business strategy and organizational management. Learn more about McMahan’s experiences at LMU Law and beyond here:
I wanted to be a lawyer since I was six years old. It’s the only thing I ever imagined myself doing. My family would always say that I could argue with a brick wall, and honestly, they weren’t wrong. When it came time to choose a law school, LMU-Duncan School of Law stood out to me because it offered a night program designed for working professionals. I wasn’t someone who had a lot of financial assistance from my family, and being as independent as I am, I wanted to do this on my own. DSOL gave me the ability to work while attending school, surrounded by others who were doing the same. That kind of environment was exactly what I needed—it allowed me to maintain my independence while pursuing my dream.
Some of my best memories from LMU revolve around the relationships I built—with professors, classmates, and mentors who helped shape my career. There was a real sense of camaraderie, and that made the experience both rewarding and fun. My favorite memory from Duncan School of Law was my Trial Advocacy class, taught by a former Federal Judge. The entire course focused on trial etiquette and argument preparation, and we spent most of our time in the courtroom working on cross-examinations, direct examinations, opening statements, and closing arguments. We even had the opportunity to present cases to juries, with our professor acting as the judge.
By the end of the course, the class had to elect the best prosecutor and defense attorney, and I was honored to be chosen as one of the top students. This class was the most fun because it felt so real-world—every lesson was practical, hands-on, and directly applicable to a courtroom setting. It was also incredibly validating to be recognized by my peers as someone with real talent. This experience was one of the many reasons I appreciated DSOL—it gave me opportunities to develop my skills in a meaningful and impactful way.
Like many law students, balancing the workload was a challenge. The sheer amount of reading, case law analysis, and preparation required a shift in how I approached studying and time management. I overcame this by staying disciplined - building structured study habits, leaning on my peers for support, and staying engaged in discussions that pushed my understanding. I also made it a priority to keep perspective; law school is demanding, but focusing on the bigger picture helped me push through the toughest moments.
As the President of an MEP company, my role requires me to be a problem solver, critical thinker, and effective communicator. I work with a wide range of personalities and skill sets, many of whom have no background in law or business. Every day presents new challenges, and one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to be comfortable saying, "I don’t know," while having the confidence to research and find the right solution.
Duncan School of Law not only provided me with legal theory but also gave me the opportunity for real-world experience. I was able to obtain my limited license while attending DSOL, which allowed me to work with the Family Justice Center, helping clients obtain Orders of Protection. This hands-on experience gave me invaluable exposure to the legal community and allowed me to start building relationships that would benefit me professionally.
The skills I developed at DSOL—effective communication, clear writing, and critical research—are things I rely on daily in my career. The combination of academic rigor and practical application was essential in preparing me for the complexities of my role.
After graduation, I began my legal career at a small firm, where I assisted with family law and criminal defense matters. However, shortly thereafter, I became aware of an opportunity at BESCO, my current employer, for a contract administrator. At the time, I was starting a family and seeking a role that would offer better work-life balance (though I’ve come to realize that term means different things to different people). I fully anticipated returning to the law firm world after a few years, but my experience at BESCO quickly led me down a different path.
During my tenure at BESCO, I was promoted to oversee Legal Affairs, HR, Compliance, Marketing, and various other functions of the business. I discovered a deep passion for the work, and the challenges that came with supporting and defending the organization felt incredibly rewarding.
When the CEO of BESCO announced his retirement four years ago, I saw an opportunity to lead an organization that had become near and dear to me. Through my work, I found my love for advocacy—not just in legal matters, but in championing the company and its people. Today, as CEO, I rely on the combination of my legal expertise and business acumen to guide the company, and I am proud to lead an organization I truly believe in.
Stay focused on the bigger picture—law school is a challenge, but it’s also a steppingstone to a rewarding career. Take every opportunity to gain practical experience, whether it’s through internships, networking, or engaging with mentors. Learn to manage your time effectively, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Most importantly, stay adaptable. The legal field is constantly evolving, and those who are willing to learn, grow, and think critically will always have an edge.
