Episode 20: Making the Most of Summer Law Clerkships, Tips for First Year Associates

Jun 29, 2024

In this episode of the Bottom Up podcast, produced by the State Bar of Wiscondsin, co-hosts Emil Ovbiagele and Kristen Hardy discuss their experiences as young lawyers and the importance of law clerkships. They are joined by first-year associate Kate Goodhart and summer law clerk Dan Underwood, who share their perspectives.

 

The conversation covers what employers look for in a good clerk, the importance of mentorship, and the value of doing impactful work. The hosts and guests also share their own experiences and offer advice for law students and young lawyers.

 

Participants discuss the importance of owning mistakes and learning from them. They emphasize the need for grace from employers and the understanding that mistakes are a part of the learning process. 

 

They also highlight the significance of soft skills, such as punctuality, attention to detail, and curiosity. The conversation then shifts to the impact of technology, particularly AI, on the legal profession. The participants express concerns about job security and the impact of technology.

 

They conclude by offering advice to new lawyers, including being themselves, embracing new learning opportunities, asking questions, getting involved, and being resilient.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
06:13 The Value of Law Clerkships
11:10 What Employers Look for in a Good Clerk
13:28 The Importance of Mentorship in Law Clerkships
16:18 Doing Impactful Work as a Law Clerk
27:07 Seeking Opportunities and Making Connections as a Law Clerk
29:54 Owning Mistakes and Learning
32:42 The Importance of Soft Skills
37:54 The Impact of Technology on Job Security
45:18 The Role of Lawyers in Regulating AI
51:38 Advice for New Lawyers

Takeaways

Law clerks should be teachable, have a strong work ethic, and be willing to learn and grow.
Employers look for candidates who are curious, coachable, and have a likable personality.
Law clerks should seek out opportunities to do impactful work and make connections with their employers.
It is important for law clerks to ask for feedback and constructive criticism to improve their skills.
Law students and young lawyers should be open to exploring different areas of law and figuring out what they enjoy and excel at. Owning mistakes and learning from them is crucial in the legal profession.
Employers should show grace and provide opportunities for new lawyers to fail and learn.
Soft skills, such as punctuality and attention to detail, are important for success in the legal profession.
Advice for new lawyers includes being themselves, embracing new learning opportunities, asking questions, getting involved, and being resilient.