Rising 2L Nicole Abnous shares her journey into education law, navigating challenging assignments and seeing policy advocacy in action.
How did you land your summer job?
I was really inspired by the clinic’s mission during the open house and really wanted to be a part of YJEC during the year. Gratefully, I was able to get an interview, and during that time, my supervisors were able to get a more personal understanding of me. It was during the interview when Vivian asked me if I was still looking for a summer position; she introduced the internship to me and the different roles I would be working in. I was delighted and immediately agreed, as it sounded like a rewarding learning opportunity and a chance to experience the work I would be doing in the clinic during the year.
What is the most interesting part of your job?
Apart from learning the law itself, I have had the chance to work on some policy projects that I did not have prior experience with. This summer, I attended various meetings for coalitions, the LA County Board of Supervisors, the Public Oversight Commission and others. Seeing the involvement coming from different organizations and people has raised my awareness and advocacy for the cause. It has also been interesting to sit in on these meetings, to see how they are conducted and what issues they discuss. The best part was when I able to make a public comment for one of the LA County BOS meetings, on an item for a motion that was then passed!
What has been your most challenging assignment thus far?
Surprisingly, the most challenging assignment for me has been learning to adjust. Though law school taught me to learn and apply knowledge at a fast rate, I began this position with no experience in education, and I had to accept that “not knowing” is how you are supposed to feel. Gratefully, I work with an outstanding team who all value supporting one another and making sure that no one is left behind or left with a workload that is overbearing. Though the assignments I am given are not easy, it helps to know that I have the support I need to feel confident at work and in my progress.
What new legal skill have you acquired during your summer job?
During this position, I was able to learn how to draft new types of legal documents, such as education records requests and Public Records Act requests. I have also expanded on my social skills such as, public speaking, managing stressful environments and speaking with clients.
What bit of legal knowledge have you been able to display?
I’ve been able to exercise my legal research and writing skills for various projects throughout this internship. A lot of legal preparation requires thorough research, and it might not always turn up the results you are searching for. For this, I am grateful to have been a fan of my legal research class during my 1L year, and I am happy that I still have access to the course notes for any further help.
How has Loyola Law School helped you map your career path?
Loyola Law School is a great environment to explore, as it provides many opportunities in different fields of law. I’m grateful to know that I have a good working relationship with my career counselor, who goes above and beyond to show how each path has an outcome for students unsure of which field to practice in.