By: Sydnee Spivey
Introduction
Law school is a unique experience that constantly pushes students to learn new concepts, develop analytical skills, and think about problems in entirely different ways. Students learn substantive areas of the law, how to interpret statutes and case law, and how to apply legal principles to real-world situations. While the classroom provides a strong foundation, some of the most valuable lessons come from experiences outside of it. Internships give students the opportunity to see how the law operates in practice and provide insight into the day-to-day work of attorneys.
Beginning Law School
When I began law school, I believed I had a general idea of what to expect. Within the first few weeks, however, I quickly realized that law school was unlike anything I had experienced prior. The workload was demanding, the material was unfamiliar, and I often felt as though everyone around me understood things better than I did. Like many students, I felt a bit of imposter syndrome. As time went on, I became more comfortable with the expectations of law school and developed study habits that worked for me. More importantly, I learned that self-doubt is common among students and professionals alike. Conversations with classmates, professors, and practicing attorneys allowed me to realize that many successful people have experienced the same feelings. Understanding this allowed me to focus less on comparing myself to others and more on my own personal growth.
By the time I entered my second year, I had gained confidence in my abilities and began approaching my education in a different way. Instead of focusing simply on memorizing enough of the information to do well on the exams, I made a conscious effort to genuinely understand the material and engage more actively in class discussions. This change in mindset not only allowed me to develop a stronger understanding of the material that I was learning but also pushed me to become more passionate about the concepts. I found that when I focused on understanding what I was being taught instead of simply earning grades, both my confidence and academic performance improved.
Summer Internship Experience
During my second year of law school, I began searching for a summer internship at a private law firm. Throughout law school, I had the opportunity to meet several attorneys from SW&L at law school events and quickly developed a positive impression of the firm. The attorneys from SW&L made an effort to be at many of the events UND law school holds and they so clearly had a genuine passion for not only the legal profession but for mentoring the law students who looked up to them.
When I was offered a summer law clerk position with SW&L, I was excited but also nervous. I again found myself questioning my abilities and qualifications for the opportunity. This was another reminder that imposter syndrome does not disappear overnight. However, I chose to approach those feelings differently. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t know, I focused on the opportunity to learn from mentors I looked up to and to grow my knowledge. Since beginning my internship, I have gained invaluable experience that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom setting. I have had the opportunity to conduct legal research, assist with legal documents, observe attorney-client interactions, and see how attorneys navigate complex legal issues. These experiences have helped me to better understand how the concepts learned in law school are applied in practice.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship so far has been the people I work with. The attorneys, paralegals, and staff members at SW&L are highly knowledgeable and dedicated to their work, but they are also supportive, respectful, and willing to invest time into teaching others. Their mentorship has helped me grow both professionally and personally. This experience has reinforced an important lesson for me. While the work itself is important, the people you work alongside matter just as much. Being surrounded by professionals who are passionate about helping clients and serving their community has strengthened my own enthusiasm for the legal profession. Watching attorneys advocate for their clients while maintaining professionalism and respect has provided an example of the type of attorney I hope to become.
Conclusion
Law school and legal internships are both challenging and rewarding experiences that require adaptability and a willingness to learn. Throughout my journey, I have learned that growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing uncertainty. While legal education provides the foundation, internships bring those lessons to life by offering practical experience and mentorship. My experiences in law school and at SW&L have not only strengthened my legal skills but have also increased my confidence and excitement for the future. As I continue my legal education, I look forward to building on these experiences and carrying the lessons I have learned into my future career.
