[28]

Early career and marriage
Nixon's family: Julie and David Eisenhower, President Nixon, First Lady Pat Nixon, Tricia and Edward Cox (December 24, 1971)
After graduating from Duke, Nixon initially hoped to join the FBI. He received no response to his letter of application, and learned years later that he had been hired, but his appointment had been canceled at the last minute due to budget cuts.[33] He returned to California, was admitted to the California bar in 1937, and began practicing in Whittier with the law firm Wingert and Bewley.[28] His work concentrated on commercial litigation for local petroleum companies and other corporate matters, as well as on wills.[34] Nixon was reluctant to work on divorce cases, disliking frank sexual talk from women.[35] In 1938, he opened up his own branch of Wingert and Bewley in La Habra, California,[36] and became a full partner in the firm the following year.[37] In later years, Nixon proudly said he was the only modern president to have previously worked as a practicing attorney.[35]
In January 1938 Nixon was cast in the Whittier Community Players production of The Dark Tower. 