Taylor Begin, ’27, spent her 1L summer as a research associate at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy. Her role has allowed her to work on a variety of legal projects that align with her aspirations to pursue corporate big law after graduation—but more than that, has provided invaluable insights into law in the international arena as well as work-life culture in Italy.

How did you connect with this summer opportunity?

My UChicago Law ‘Big’ participated in this program her 1L summer and absolutely raved about the experience. After meeting with Aican Ngyun, senior director of the Law School’s international programs, I realized the internship in Milan perfectly aligned with my career interests in corporate big law, so I applied for the position. I also met with Professor Perrone and his research assistant Sofia (from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore), who gave me even more insight into how this summer experience would align with my career goals. After that, I decided to accept the position. 

How does your experience connect with what you currently envision doing with your law degree?

I had the opportunity to work with Italian nonprofits on projects such as reviewing their articles of association and researching country-specific laws to advise on governance and structural changes. I collaborated closely with attorneys in practice areas I hope to pursue after graduation.

Please describe a “typical” day at work.

There is not a very “typical” day here, as there are so many different opportunities to get involved with. Some days we will be traveling to a nearby city to interview nuns working at Santa Giuliana Hospital to learn more about their organization’s structure, and another day I am working with a general manager of an Italian nonprofit and their local counsel to see if changes to their governance is possible under Uganda law (where their nonprofit is incorporated). Regardless of the work that takes place that day, my office always finds time to sit down and have lunch together. 

What is something you learned or experienced that was surprising or particularly compelling during this summer position?

I worked on a project analyzing international grant-making foundations established by banks, comparing their governance structures, grant-making models, and operations across countries. I was particularly struck by the differences in governance between US-based and Italian foundations. Examining these foundations through an international lens offered a fresh perspective on how I understand US foundations and similar institutions.

What are a couple of your key takeaways from the experience so far?

Italy has cracked the code for work-life balance, and I hope to take some of the things I’ve learned about that home with me and apply them to my professional career. Not eating in front of the computer during my lunch break because my office eats lunch together every day was—it’s sad to say—a culture shock. 

What advice would you offer another law student contemplating working in a similar position next summer?

Look into housing sooner than you think. It will not run out, but the price will go up. Also, do not be afraid to live further away from the school than you would think. The public transportation is amazing, and you can live a little outside of the city to save some money. 

How are you spending your free time in Milan?

I try to travel as much as I can to explore nearby cities. Some days it is an after-workday trip to the seaside; other days it is an overnight trip to Venice. Italy’s public transportation system is amazing, as I said, so it makes all this inter-city travel very easy, cheap, and stress-free!

What are you most looking forward to in returning to UChicago Law this fall?

My friends! I miss seeing familiar faces around campus. Because I work on a campus, I am realizing how disconnected you can feel when you are not bumping into everyone you know and catching up during those 10–15-minute breaks. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Spend your 1L summer doing something fun. After law school, you may not have another chance to spend an entire summer in a different country.