Summer Job Diaries: Law in Tech Diversity (LiTD) Intern Crist Malekyan '24 Splits Summer Between Snap Inc. and Paul Hastings
Crist Malekyan '24, a Law in Technology Diversity Collaborative (LiTD) intern, is splitting his summer between Snap Inc. and Paul Hastings, gaining exposure to the in-house workings of a high-profile tech company and the life of an associate at a top-tier law firm.
How did you land your summer job?
We get countless emails every day and it's easy to miss important communications; as a word of advice, please read them all! That is how I came across a virtual presentation by the Law in Tech Diversity Collaborative (LiTD), hosted by Loyola Law School's Career Development Office. LiTD’s 10-week summer program, split between working in-house at a major tech company and for a big law firm, provides legal experience to a select number of 1L/2E students. As an evening student with a full-time job, I was unsure if I should apply. However, after speaking with my mentors and Jolene Horn, one of our exceptional Career Development counselors, I decided to use the opportunity to update my resume and cover letter, and brush up on my interview skills. The rest just worked itself out.
What is the most interesting part of your job?
The fascinating part of my internship so far has been the ability to gain first-hand experience in different practice areas. LiTD's well-designed schedule enables law school students to experience a great deal over one summer. In the first half of the program, I’ve been networking with Paul Hasting’s attorneys, rotating through departments, and delivering various assignments. When I move to Snap Inc., I will work in the tech firm’s various in-house legal counsel departments.
What has been your most challenging assignment thus far?
Interestingly, one of the most challenging assignments was a training exercise. Paul Hastings creates training modules that are based on actual cases, and designed to be tackled individually or as part of a group. On one project, I wrote a three-page memoranda on a topic that I had very limited knowledge—copyright infringement—in ninety minutes. Each summer associate got individualized feedback on their writing style, memo drafting, and analysis, which was extremely helpful and a great learning experience.
What new legal skill have you acquired during your summer job?
My legal research and negotiation skills have improved tremendously by working on different assignments and participating in a Mock Negotiation Workshop, where teams of four summer associates competed in negotiating the terms of a corporate acquisition. I found the training, guidance, and feedback shared by experienced corporate attorneys invaluable.
What bit of legal knowledge have you been able to display?
Thanks to the fantastic courses I have taken as part of my Tax LLM program at LLS, I have a strong foundation in tax, which helps me to better understand the Paul Hastings’ tax team and do well on my assignments.
How has Loyola helped you map your career path?
The biggest challenge for evening students is finding the time to participate in networking events and build new connections for career exploration. However, LLS has done a great job creating unique networking opportunities where evening students can benefit from connecting with dozens of experienced alumni and attorneys from all over the country, and receive excellent advice and guidance.