Julia Groman, ’28, had three different career experiences this summer—one in Washington, DC, and two in New York City. In DC, she was a law clerk in the Department of Justice’s Office of Legislative Affairs. In New York City, she participated in the law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell's 1L preview program and worked as a legal intern in the Human Rights Foundation. Here, she shares about her experience interning in government.

How did you connect with these summer opportunities?  

I found the Department of Justice position on Simplicity in January and thought it seemed like a great fit because I had been hoping to gain experience in government and legislative legal counsel. I connected with the Human Rights Foundation with the help of Aican Nguyen and the International Human Rights Summer Internship Program. I applied for Sullivan & Cromwell directly through their summer associate application after speaking with peers who recommended the firm.  

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

I’ve always been drawn to law and legislation, and at the Office of Legislative Affairs, I've been able to see how the Department responds to legislation in real time. I was hoping to work in government during my 1L summer and in my career, and I’ve been thrilled to have that opportunity. It has confirmed my interest in a career where legal analysis feeds directly into the development and implementation of policy.  

Please describe a “typical” day at work.  

The work varies! Most days, I'm in the office drafting and editing memos or documents, compiling technical comments from different components, or preparing briefing or nomination materials. The office also encourages career development experiences, so I’ve been able to do things like watch an ATF bomb-sniffing dog testing, sit in on Congressional hearings, and visit other Department agencies. It's given me a much fuller picture of how the DOJ's work extends well beyond the building.  

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

I've learned so much about the many rounds of review legislation goes through, and the many stakeholders that are consulted in the process. I've particularly enjoyed learning about the way issues are resolved between different components within an agency; multiple components might have drastically different perspectives on the exact same line in a proposed piece of legislation, and watching that clearance process has taught me a lot about institutional dynamics.  

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

Many attorneys here have emphasized that the skill of “thinking like a lawyer” is essential, and I think that is very apparent when you’re assigned a piece of legislation or topic in which you have no experience and are asked to figure it out. It's less about knowing the substantive area and more about knowing how to ask the right questions, identify potential issues, and communicate precisely and clearly. I think a second key takeaway has been that a legal career doesn’t necessarily have to fit into the strict mold of litigation vs. transactional work; there is a whole world beyond that.  

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

Because the Office of Legislative Affairs handles congressional relations and legislative analysis, it often interacts with other DOJ components, from civil rights to the FBI. I’ve found it valuable to work somewhere that touches so many different areas. That breadth of exposure has helped me consider what I am looking for in my future career, and I recommend taking opportunities that allow for that exploration. I also think it’s important to remember what genuinely motivates you and to let that be your guiding force, and to let that—and not necessarily what other people might suggest—drive you.    

How are you spending your free time this summer?  

I’ve been enjoying the DC yoga scene and hanging out with friends! In my free time, I also have been continuing to train as a museum docent for the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures at UChicago. I’ve been lucky to participate in some really neat events while in DC; I attended the Supreme Court’s last day of the term and the Mark Twain Prize ceremony at the Kennedy Center.  

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

This experience has made me really excited to take classes that will help me continue to understand the intersection of policy, legislation, administration, and law!  

Is there anything else you’d like to share?  

I really recommend taking advantage of the UChicago Law alumni network! I have learned so much from meeting with alumni and chatting about their work and have been so impressed with their willingness to meet and give guidance.