The name's Blonde. LEgally blonde.
Interning in a US Law firm was a dream come true.
I was extremely fortunate to have successfully applied for an internship at a downtown law firm close to Coe College, Viner Law Firm. Whilst I knew I would enjoy my time there and was excited to witness American practice and enhanced my knowledge and understanding of American law, I did not know how much my internship, the wonderful working environment or, most importantly, the brilliant team there would come to mean to me. Leaving the office on my final day there, just a week prior to my flight home was definitely tough, but I took comfort in the fact that my internship and the people I came to know through it ensured my study abroad experience was extremely rewarding and fulfilling.
To find out more about the firm, you can visit its website, check out its own Facebook page and read about it in The Iowa Lawyer.
You can take the student out of Law, but you can't take the Law out of the student...
As a Law student, the importance of undertaking work experience and gaining an insight into the practical application of Law has been consistently emphasised to me. I have been fortunate to have undertaken work experience placements in both London and Belfast, in leading commercial law firms and a renowned legal aid practice respectively. These experiences have reinforced my desire to enter the legal profession.
Prior to commencing my study abroad year, I remember wondering what it would be like to study Business and Finance modules, and I will confess to feeling quite worried that my legal studies and indeed knowledge could perhaps suffer. However, as mentioned previously on the relevant page of this website, I was able to study two legal modules at Coe: Environmental Law during the Autumn semester and Business Law in the Spring semester. It was fascinating to study the American legal system and operation of the relevant legislation in these areas of law, not to mention the study of the development of the law in a historical context and the development of case law. I found it very interesting to note the similarities and differences between the NI/UK/US legal theory and application, especially in Tort, Contract and Land law aspects, having studied these areas at Queen’s. I feel that I have consequently gained a deeper understanding of NI/UK law, after viewing it through the perspective of a different jurisdiction.
So, my initial concern regarding my own doctrine of ‘separation of Law degree and Business studies’ fortunately proved to be unfounded. This was confirmed when I was able to undertake an internship at Viner Law Firm.
It would soon become a highlight of my week as I trekked downtown to my legal 'home'. I was always happy to see the team in the office and to carry out any tasks assigned (I felt privileged to be entrusted with responsibilities) against the backdrop of a happily buzzing office. You were always guaranteed to have a laugh, interesting chats (especially about America and similarities/differences in Ireland) provided with advice (from college to finals - including one memorable afternoon of dating advice) and engage in debates, from music to films, politics to sports. We even celebrated St Patrick's Day as a firm, and it was definitely one of the best set of St Patrick's Day adventures and celebrations I have participated in. As mentioned previously, it was hard to say goodbye, but I had many a merry day at Viner Law, and wonderful memories to reflect on.
For the interested and the fellow law crew: the firm is a general practice, full service law firm which deals primarily with civil issues such as custody and divorce to criminal matters including but not limited to DUI, OWI, assault, theft, etc. Due to my class schedule, I was in the firm three days a week after classes on those days finish across both semesters. I was delegated various duties and responsibilities, including writing letters to clients and filing. I was also fortunate to attend court; I found it initially rather surreal to see a judge and lawyers not resplendent in gowns and wigs! It was also surprisingly soothing to undertake legal work experience after a day of business classes, and to work as part of a team.
The working environment was extremely friendly and welcoming, everyone was hard-working, close-knit and approachable, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I can only hope that I am lucky enough to enter a similar firm in the future when I am eligible to practice!
Prior to commencing my study abroad year, I remember wondering what it would be like to study Business and Finance modules, and I will confess to feeling quite worried that my legal studies and indeed knowledge could perhaps suffer. However, as mentioned previously on the relevant page of this website, I was able to study two legal modules at Coe: Environmental Law during the Autumn semester and Business Law in the Spring semester. It was fascinating to study the American legal system and operation of the relevant legislation in these areas of law, not to mention the study of the development of the law in a historical context and the development of case law. I found it very interesting to note the similarities and differences between the NI/UK/US legal theory and application, especially in Tort, Contract and Land law aspects, having studied these areas at Queen’s. I feel that I have consequently gained a deeper understanding of NI/UK law, after viewing it through the perspective of a different jurisdiction.
So, my initial concern regarding my own doctrine of ‘separation of Law degree and Business studies’ fortunately proved to be unfounded. This was confirmed when I was able to undertake an internship at Viner Law Firm.
It would soon become a highlight of my week as I trekked downtown to my legal 'home'. I was always happy to see the team in the office and to carry out any tasks assigned (I felt privileged to be entrusted with responsibilities) against the backdrop of a happily buzzing office. You were always guaranteed to have a laugh, interesting chats (especially about America and similarities/differences in Ireland) provided with advice (from college to finals - including one memorable afternoon of dating advice) and engage in debates, from music to films, politics to sports. We even celebrated St Patrick's Day as a firm, and it was definitely one of the best set of St Patrick's Day adventures and celebrations I have participated in. As mentioned previously, it was hard to say goodbye, but I had many a merry day at Viner Law, and wonderful memories to reflect on.
For the interested and the fellow law crew: the firm is a general practice, full service law firm which deals primarily with civil issues such as custody and divorce to criminal matters including but not limited to DUI, OWI, assault, theft, etc. Due to my class schedule, I was in the firm three days a week after classes on those days finish across both semesters. I was delegated various duties and responsibilities, including writing letters to clients and filing. I was also fortunate to attend court; I found it initially rather surreal to see a judge and lawyers not resplendent in gowns and wigs! It was also surprisingly soothing to undertake legal work experience after a day of business classes, and to work as part of a team.
The working environment was extremely friendly and welcoming, everyone was hard-working, close-knit and approachable, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I can only hope that I am lucky enough to enter a similar firm in the future when I am eligible to practice!