Summer Experiences: Shayla Harris, ’24, Hausfeld
Shayla Harris, ’24, worked both her 1L and 2L summers at Hausfeld, a prominent litigation firm based in Washington, D.C. Harris is enjoying her time at the firm and in the nation’s capital, which she and her dog explore when she is not delving into corporate law principles.
How did you connect with this summer opportunity?
This is my second year at Hausfeld. During my 1L I did a lot of research on firms that emphasize social justice work. Hausfeld was at the top of that list, so I took advantage of their 1L Diversity Fellowship. I had such a positive experience during my 1L summer that it was a no-brainer when they asked me to return.
How does your experience connect with what you currently envision doing with your law degree?
I have learned substantive law in practice areas I am passionate about, such as environmental, human rights and antitrust law. I am also developing writing and advocacy skills that will serve me throughout my career as a litigator. Most importantly, it has been eye opening to be at a public-interest oriented firm. When I started law school, I thought NGOs and government were the only options for pursuing a public interest career. This experience has dispelled that notion and expanded my view on how I can use the law to do good.
Please describe a “typical” day at work.
I have a lot of autonomy at work and every day looks different depending on the assignment I am staffed to. Most assignments involve WestLaw research and drafting memos; other assignments have included docket research and drafting briefs. I have a weekly check in with the summer associate team, and a weekly “get to know you” lunch with different attorneys at the firm. There are three other summer associates that I connect with on a daily basis whether it’s for advice on an assignment or just to socialize.
What is something you learned or experienced that was surprising or particularly compelling during this summer position?
I learned how courts can pierce the corporate veil to hold shareholders and directors personally liable for a corporation’s actions. Alter ego liability, as it is sometimes called, can be an essential tool for enforcing a judgment when a corporation is insolvent. I find it compelling because it demonstrates how default rules like limited liability have exceptions or workarounds to ensure justice is actually carried out.
What are a couple of your key takeaways from the experience so far?
Good lawyering is a team sport. The firm is small but mighty due to its spirit of collaboration. I have also discovered that law requires you to be comfortable with the unknown. So many questions are undecided. Once you embrace this, you’ll be surprised by how much you can shape the law.
What advice would you offer another law student contemplating working in a similar position next summer?
I recommend joining Chicago Plaintiffs’ Law Association! The LSO facilitates conversations about access to justice and provides professional development opportunities for students interested in the plaintiffs’ bar. It is a great way to connect with likeminded peers and meet seasoned attorneys working in this space.
How are you spending your free time this summer?
I’ve lived in Chicago for nine years now, so I am just enjoying my time in a new environment. I enjoy exploring all the different Smithsonian Museums and going to farmers markets with my dog.
What are you most looking forward to in returning to UChicago Law this fall?
I look forward to meeting the incoming 1L class! I hope that I can be a mentor for students who are interested in taking the less beaten path and opting out of OCI in favor of public interest work.