There are so many skills useful to the practice of law that you don't learn in law school -and socializing is one of them. Lawyers are not known for being a social and fun-loving bunch, and many of my friends bemoan the semi-required networking events you start to encounter in law school. However, I often enjoy them, and have found that there are lots of ways to meet people in your field of practice and make valuable connections, regardless of your interests.

This summer, I have had the pleasure of attending a variety of events - some, sponsored by the Boston Bar Association (BBA), are panel discussions composed of lawyers from different firms and organizations, speaking on issues such as representing clients on death row, and the role of politics in the practice of law. Others are events like the Lawyers Have a Heart run (check out our team photo below! I ducked out before my appearance in a headband could be memorialized in print), or the Corporate Challenge, where firms round up groups of eager summers and associates to raise money for charity events. Finally, there are the more classic, and decedent, social events. Last night, for instance, a group of us went to the Justice Is Sweet event. Hosted by the BBA, this annual event is a fundraiser in the form of a dessert and wine buffet. There were, yes, chocolate fountains in which to dip strawberries and marshmallows. Pretty ridiculous! And delicious.

Even though these events sound silly, or indulgent, they actually are a great opportunity to meet other people in your field, to raise money for good causes. It’s a chance to spend time with your co-workers in a lower stress situation, and to see the people that you may spend the next few decades encountering in court! Obviously you don’t have to be best friends with everyone who just happens to be a lawyer, but having cordial relationships with those who will be your work community is a great bonus and makes an often stressful career that much more enjoyable.

Posted by Sarah at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Summer is underway here in Boston, although you would never know it based on the weather. It’s unseasonably cool, but maybe I'm overly sensitive because I'm still missing Puerto Rico. Regardless of the climate, one thing I can't complain about, however, is the view from my office in the Federal Reserve Bank Building. It's pretty awesome working downtown, seeing a new part of the city, and being among the bustling business people. Although I took the opportunity to get out of Boston for my first two co-ops (first to California, and next to PR), it's great to be in the city for a change. First of all, it’s given me a chance to explore as a non-student, to get beyond the Northeastern campus that I sometimes get trapped in. Also it’s great because, since I switched rotations, I get to see my friends even though they are in school while I work. Additionally, it has been nice to make professional connections in a place where so many people are NUSL alums, know the professors, and don't need the 10 minute explanation I have gotten used to giving on our co-op and grading system!

I have just started the application process to state and federal clerkships for real, and it’s amazing to think where I might end up. So far I have applied to positions in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, California, Florida, Oregon, Washington....and more! It’s hard not knowing for sure where I will be a year from now, but traveling for co-op has made me realize that I am more flexible than I would have thought.

P.S. - I just read this amazing article in the Washington Post that, to me, is a powerful reminder of the disparities in sentencing, the abject failure of the "war on drugs" and the reality that prison solves almost none of our society's problems. If you get a chance,
please read it.

Posted by Sarah at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Once again I'm starting a new co-op. It's amazing, no matter how many times I start a new job or experience, I never cease to get nervous beforehand. I guess it's human nature or...at least my nature!

I am in my first week of my third co-op, working as a Summer Associate at a mid-sized firm here in Boston. And once again I find myself learning about things I never thought I would come across - in this case, white collar criminal defense. The firm focuses on litigation, which is a big part of why I chose to go there, and I'm excited to expand my litigation experience to both state and federal court, as well as civil and criminal matters. We'll see how it goes!

Posted by Sarah at 9:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)