Like many first-year law students, Spring semester brought a lot of stress as to what the future held in terms of a summer job. Not only are we focused on looking for a placement, whether it be a judicial externship, clerkship, or a research assistantship, but also, we are looking for the right fit. This summer, I had the pleasure of being a Law Clerk for the non-profit, LevittQuinn Family Law Center.
As a law clerk, I was able to gain valuable experience doing practical work under attorney supervision. As a rising second-year, this was my first exposure to legal work so I was determined to make the most of the experience. My supervising attorney assisted me with client consults, document preparation, and even with my preliminary drafts of a trial brief for a client. At LevittQuinn, I was able to apply the research and writing skills that I learned at Loyola and I felt prepared for the task.
The most rewarding thing I did was participate in their quarterly clinic. It was really rewarding being able to advise clients on custody matters using the knowledge I had built all summer, especially since the majority of family law litigants are self-represented. In addition, I loved working with families on their adoption matters.
Overall, your first summer of law school is a unique experience where you can sharpen your skills and get an idea of what kind of law you would like to practice in the future. My time at LevittQuinn solidified my desire to pursue family law. Regardless of your summer plans, it is always important to make the most of the opportunities available to you.