What I Did This Summer
They worked at the White House, the ACLU, Marvel Studios, the Federal Criminal Justice Clinic, and at law firms. They drafted agreements and memoranda, helped develop litigation strategies to combat issues of police brutality and homelessness, focused on environmental policy, and even walked the Red Carpet at a movie premiere. Along the way this summer, Law School students gathered valuable experience—and found that UChicago had prepared them well in a variety of ways. Today, several students share a bit about their summer work, including the five words that best describe their experience.
KENNETH THOMAS, ’16
Where did you work? I was a Summer Associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in Chicago. I wrote several legal memoranda on issues dealing with breach of contract, civil procedure, and securities regulations. I also interviewed a minor in a guardian ad litem case, where a parent or guardian attempts to discharge guardianship of a minor.
What drew you to the opportunity? I was drawn to Skadden by their commitment to pro bono work and their collegial working environment. In the 1L program I had the opportunity to work in-house at Mondelez International and at the Chicago Legal Clinic. The ability to work in several different legal environments during one summer was very helpful in deciding what type of law to practice.
How did the Law School help prepare you? My academic experience at the Law School has taught me to think outside the box and be creative. I have been able to hone those skills in the Prosecution and Defense Clinic while working as an intern for the United States Attorney's Office in Chicago. Lecturers Lisa Noller and Gabe Plotkin did a great job in combining practical training with discussions of the social commentary surrounding the criminal justice system.
In five words, how would you describe your summer work experience? Taylor Swift concert was amazing.
BECCA SMITH, ’16
Where did you work? I worked in Washington, DC, splitting between Covington & Burling LLP and the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). At Covington I did projects in practice groups such as Food and Drug, Antitrust, Litigation, and Environmental. At CEQ I worked in the General Counsel's Office helping to provide advice and representation to the environmental policymakers.
What drew you to this opportunity? I was drawn to Covington because of their Food and Drug practice and because many of the attorneys have worked in very interesting government positions. I was drawn to CEQ because I worked at the DOJ in the Environment and Natural Resources Division during my 1L summer and wanted to learn about how CEQ coordinates environmental efforts between different government agencies. I also thought it would be really exciting to work in the White House.
How did the Law School help prepare you? I took courses such as Food and Drug Law and Policy, Environmental Law, and Legislation and Statutory Interpretation. I also gained practical experience participating in the Abrams Environmental Law Clinic throughout my 2L year.
In five words, how would you describe your summer work experience? Feeling like a real lawyer!
JONATHAN HAWLEY, ’17
Where did you work? I worked as a Business & Legal Affairs Summer Associate at Marvel Studios in Burbank, California. I had the chance to draft talent, production, and co-promotion agreements, and participated in brainstorming for new corporate initiatives. I also got to walk the Red Carpet at the world premiere of Ant-Man ... three hours before Paul Rudd.
What drew you to this opportunity? I'm a lifelong film buff, so it was quite a thrill to play a small part in an industry that has given me so much over the years. (Not to mention the fact that I got to work on the Disney lot every day!) I was also very eager to learn more about the day-to-day activities of transactional lawyers, and the sorts of issues and legal questions they deal with.
How did the Law School help prepare you? The Law School helped me at every step of the way, first by posting the job opportunity on the Career Services website and then by assisting me through the application process. My 1L year at the Law School gave me not only the confidence to do well at Marvel, but also the research and communications skills I needed to succeed at a range of activities. And I felt very well prepared to return to a professional setting thanks to my experiences with Keystone and the Law School's other programming.
You are part of the first class to participate in the Kapnick Leadership Development Initiative. Did that experience have an impact on your summer work? Kapnick helped teach me that, as important as it is to tackle work assignments with energy and thoroughness, a vital component of any professional experience is also getting to know your colleagues. I kept that in mind this summer, and forged meaningful bonds with my coworkers and fellow interns. It was a thrill to meet so many bright and talented people engaged in an industry that I care about (which is to say, fellow movie nerds!), and I hope to continue those relationships in the future.
In five words, how would you describe your summer work experience? Contracts, Strategy, Negotiation, Redlining, Superheroes.
AMANDA MAYO, ’17
Where did you work? I was an intern at the Federal Criminal Justice Clinic at the Law School in Chicago this summer, doing research and other tasks to support the clinic's cases.
What drew you to this opportunity? I knew that I really wanted to work on criminal justice issues this summer, and I also knew that I wanted to stay in Chicago. I thought the clinic would be a great way to get a lot of experience researching and thinking about those issues while also getting the chance to work with faculty members.
How did the Law School help prepare you? Legal Research and Writing definitely helped a lot, since I did a lot of research to support the clinic's cases that were ongoing over the summer. Criminal Law was also helpful, since some of the ideas we discussed appeared in the cases I was able to work on. Practically, I think that Law School programs like the Keystone Program helped me to refresh my professional skills.
You, like Jonathan, are part of the first class to participate in the Kapnick Leadership Development Initiative. Did that experience have an impact on your summer work? I think Kapnick's emphasis on developing warmth as well as competence helped remind me to build personal relationships with those I met over the summer in addition to doing a good job on the projects assigned to me.
In five words, how would you describe your summer work experience? Fun, Challenging, Rewarding, Interesting, Awesome
PAULINA WU, '16
Where did you work? This summer I worked at K&L Gates in Seattle, WA. I was able to work on projects in a variety of practices, such as Corporate, Real Estate, Litigation, and Environmental.
What drew you to the opportunity? I was born and raised in Seattle, so I knew I wanted to come back to a Seattle firm. The people that I interviewed with were extremely nice and seemed great to work with. I was also interested in the opportunity to work with attorneys in various practices.
How did the Law School help prepare you? The Office of Career Services gave me a lot of great advice before, during, and after On-Campus Interviewing on how to interview and what questions to ask. The Law School also helped improve my writing skills, which were very useful during the summer.
In five words, how would you describe your summer work experience? Cannot wait to go back!
ANDREW SULLIVAN, ’16
Where did you work? I worked with the ACLU of Michigan in Detroit for the first 10 weeks of my summer, and then spent the last 8 weeks with the Brennan Center for Justice in New York City. At the ACLU I wrote research memos and developed litigation strategies to combat issues of police brutality and homelessness in Detroit. My work at the Brennan Center was within their Democracy Project, on issues of voter ID laws, disenfranchisement, and redistricting.
What drew you to this opportunity? Prior to this summer I worked in indigent defense and civil legal aid. Most of my clients were faced with the same legal challenges. I felt a draw to work in courts of appeal and 'public opinion' to resolve these systemic issues.
How did the Law School help prepare you? The jobs I am pursuing really value practical preparation, and our clinics have been very helpful in that realm. Experiences researching, drafting motions, and meeting clients have given me a leg-up on the job market, and insight into what type of law I want to practice. This was made possible by clinical faculty who go the extra mile to mentor.
In five words, how would you describe your summer work experience? Our country needs better laws.