Summer Job Diaries:
Grace Han '24 is a JD Evening student who spent her summer as a legal intern at the Los Angeles Unified School District. Grace's activities include serving as a member of the Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review. Previously, she worked a law firm specializing in personal injury cases.
How did you land your summer job?
I was able to secure an internship at Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) through the PICD program held at Loyola. I knew I wanted to pursue an internship in public interest and had an interest in education law. Thus, when I saw LAUSD in the listing, I applied and interviewed for it. I was thrilled when I was accepted into their internship program.
What is the most interesting part of your job?
One of the most interesting parts of my job has been partaking in and witnessing how in-house counsel operates. Prior to attending law school, I had only ever worked in a private law firm, so watching such a large in-house legal department and its varying teams taking on individual assignments while still collaborating with one another has been a privilege.
What has been your most challenging assignment thus far?
My most challenging assignment thus far has been preparing a memo for an attorney to view regarding an ongoing case and its likelihood for success on its merits. I spent hours searching Westlaw for applicable cases with a very specific fact pattern, and it was difficult. Moreover, I was having to juggle this long-term assignment with many other simultaneous tasks being given to me. Therefore, I have definitely been strengthening my ability for time management and asking helpful questions along the way.
What new legal skill have you acquired during your summer job?
I have learned how to write in a concise way that cuts out any unnecessary points and mainly highlights the heart of the content. Working with an attorney on the edits for my memo has been immensely helpful in learning how to keep my paragraphs succinct while still being effective and persuasive.
What bit of legal knowledge have you been able to display?
One aspect of legal knowledge I have been able to display is my ability to Bluebook my citations, as well as my background knowledge in preparing discovery for the litigation team. Both my classes at Loyola and the few years I spent at a personal injury law firm worked together to give me a stronger foundation in preparing strong propounding interrogatories.
How has Loyola helped you map your career path?
Loyola has been a tremendous help because it led me to my amazing career counselor. Plus, speaking to my professors and hearing about their own experiences working in the legal field has been insightful as well. My career counselor helped me to find some direction and prepared me for the interview I had with LAUSD. I felt much more relaxed and confident having had multiple mock interviews under my belt, so I am very grateful.