Dawg Days of Summer: Part 2
After months of classroom lectures, coursework and reviewing cases, rising 2L and 3L students venture outside the walls of William H. Gates Hall and work in-house at law firms, companies, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and elsewhere.
They take a break from their typical legal education for just a few short months and get a glimpse into what real-world legal work is like, often working alongside practicing attorneys.
As the second in a three-part series, two J.D. students below reflect on their experiences as they reach the mid-point of their summer employment and share highlights.
Olivia Bravo
Recently, I attended Dorsey’s Summer Associate Retreat at our flagship office in Minneapolis, where I met other summer associates from across the U.S., many of whom I work with on remote group projects. I loved hearing their experiences from different office locations and about Dorsey’s expertise in regional markets.
In addition to that work trip, I’ve enjoyed seeing what a day in the life of a current Dorsey associate is like. We have had lots of fun events within the Dorsey office and after work. We have an annual competition called the “Dorsey Duel,” where the two floors of our office compete in office games (think: cornhole, paper airplanes, trivia). So far, my floor is winning! There have been multiple happy hours among the various departments, and most recently, a paint and sip event for Dorsey’s women attorneys.
Overall, I am having a fabulous time and making great connections with the other summer associates and attorneys. I am looking forward to the rest of the summer!
Skylar Fisher
Since my last update, I have been thoroughly enjoying my work at the Southern Environmental Law Center! I’ve been working on projects like rulemaking petitions for state and federal agencies, litigation materials for different cases arising out of the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act, and federal civil rights research in connection to public lands accessibility. Today I had the opportunity to present some of my research to partner groups. I was also excited to join a field trip to the Pisgah National Forest to check out the impact of a commercial logging project.
I’ve been surprised by how much behind-the-scenes issues — such as cultural, policy, and political factors — must be considered when making strategic litigation decisions. I feel very lucky to be learning from folks who are so tuned into the specific needs of the region and can make effective decisions that implement all these considerations.
I have had a great time making professional connections in Asheville thanks to the hard work of the legal assistants in my office, who have connected me with other legal interns for outings to tour local courts and have lunches with state and federal judges in the area. One visit had a real impact on me: our trip to Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court, a substance use diversion program with a very empathetic, non-adversarial approach to dismissing felony charges for veterans. In addition to these Asheville events, I have met many out-of-town legal professionals, thanks to SELC having offices throughout the Southeast and staff from other offices being happy to meet with me to discuss their work.
Outside of work, my coworkers have gone above and beyond to make me feel at home in Asheville. We all went to go see an Asheville Tourists baseball game together, and we have more excursions planned for the next few weeks. I have also been hiking a lot and enjoying the local bluegrass music scene.
The past few weeks have flown by, and I look forward to continuing to develop my skills for the rest of my time in Asheville.
This summer I am subletting a room in West Asheville, an artsy part of town full of things to do and great food. I enjoy being in the mountains and I try to hike every chance I get. I am also grateful for being able to spend a summer closer to old friends and family, although I miss Seattle and my friends from school. Deciding to leave Washington for the summer was a difficult choice, but I am happy that I listened to my gut and chose the position that was the best fit for me.