Student organizations have been quite active during recruiting season by hosting a series of career panels involving both students and alumni. The final event before break was a public interest panel organized by APALSA with 2Ls Ming Zhu, Ting Chen, and Nick Lin.
While all three panelists attested to loving their internships, the nature and intensity of their experiences differed greatly. “Working for the Center for Appellate Litigation in New York… I got lots of responsibility,” said Lin. “Under the supervision of litigators, I was given my own cases for which I wrote briefs… I got full creative control.” For Zhu, the internship experience at U.S. Attorney’s Office varied widely depending on which attorney she was assigned to. “For me in the Criminal Appellate division, I was the only intern among three attorneys… I really liked it because the written nature of the work was unlike what I’d been studying at law school.” Ting Chen spent the summer abroad at Khmer Institute for Democracy in Cambodia and talked about the level of initiative required in a small non-profit.
All three panelists emphasized the benefit gained from large amounts of research and writing. Chen added, “On an international level… it was exciting to see what I’d learned as a 1L in Civil Procedure and Criminal Law become more tangible in practice.”
With regard to obtaining the internships, Lin indicated that he had “shotgunned” letters out to different NGOs and think tanks. “The truth is, most places get back to you when they want, so be patient.” Unlike Lin, Zhu insisted that utilizing the resume drop with the Massachusetts Law School Consortium was just as effective for her. “It’s a good, easy, and early process.” For Chen, knowing she wanted to work with an NGO in Asia, the application process was focused and quick. “I just wish that I had not been so frantic in taking the first offer that came my way.” Lin nodded and said, “If you really want a certain job, stay calm… chances are even if they don’t get back to you until March, it’s worth waiting for.”
