Memoirs of a Law Student: My First Summer Legal Job

After completing my first year of law school and starting my very first summer legal job, I have felt many thoughts and emotions running through my brain. I feel like I have felt every emotion possible on this crazy journey, both good and bad! Most of all, one of the most overwhelming feelings I have encountered is the oddly wonderful and terrifying feeling of growth.

I was relieved after my first year!

I was relieved after my first year. However, I was left feeling like I had so much left to learn. My first week on the job as a law clerk has me feeling hopeful for the future and the growth potential in this crazy profession. Overall, I feel grateful for the opportunity to practice my legal writing skills, while also embracing the everyday excitement of a busy law office.

I have never worked in a law office before.

As a “first-generation law student,” I haven’t been exposed to much law in general. Generally, I have had a few encounters, but nothing too intense. I have a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in International Business. I exposure to business issues and work experience in various areas of business. After more than a year of trying to make some sort of dent in this career, I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to gain work experience in the legal field.

So far, I have been working in my summer legal job for almost 3 weeks. So far, I have done mostly legal research the past few weeks, which I expected. I have been exposed to several client interactions, written a response letter to opposing counsel, and analyzed discovery exhibits. And, I have even written a full motion that was filed and granted by the court! I am especially excited about the last one. Besides some general oversight and help, I basically compiled, wrote and edited the entire thing!

It has been challenging and a little uncomfortable navigating this new environment, but I know it will be worth it.

Even though I am excited and grateful for the present, I am more anxious and uncertain for the future.

There is so much to learn, and I often doubt myself. Regardless, I need to remember how far I have come and the growth still to come. Now, more than ever, that I have a summer legal job. I am lucky to be where I am, but I know that I am deserving of it all, too!