Experiential learning
Hometown: Dresher, PA
Education: University of Rochester, English
Job: Associate, Willig Williams & Davidson
Program: Full-Time Day
My time at Willig, Williams & Davidson, a union-side labor firm here in Philadelphia, began as part of Temple’s practicum program and blossomed into probably the most important experience I had in law school. It provided an answer to that age-old question — “what does a lawyer do all day, exactly?” — and in that process of demystification, really excited me about the possibilities of life in the law. At Willig, I learned that experienced lawyers booted up WestLaw one keystroke at a time, just like the rest of us, and that when people really care about something as a group, you can feel that energy in the air. Suffice it to say, I loved it there, and would go on to spend my 2L summer, 3L fall, and most of 3L spring at Willig, where I’ll also begin as an associate in August.
Leadership and participation
At the start of 2L spring, I started working as the incoming managing editor of Temple Law Review at the same time that I started training to compete with the Moot Court Competition Team. Those experiences mirrored each other, in many ways — many hours of slow, grinding, solitary work that nevertheless brought me closer to my classmates who had chosen the same path. The volume of the non-classroom work, along with my course load and practicum, was a good exercise in balance. And after three semesters of being locked on textbooks and preparation for class, it was a good reminder that other methods of engaging with the law were just around the corner.
Advice to current or prospective students
Practically, take some courses that are going to be on the essay portion of the bar. Abstractly, take time in law school to think about “why,” and seek out the classmates and professors that are as interested in those questions as you are. So much of law school is thinking about “what” and “how,” which is great for exams, but in my experience, not so great for cultivating a deeper interest into what exactly we’re doing all day. Learning all the four-factor tests and the rebuttable presumptions is nice, but there’s more out there, if you’re willing to take the time.
Networking advice
When you find someone who genuinely wants to help, don’t let that connection fade. In my experience, most lawyers responding to networking questions are responsive and courteous, but fewer will really, truly put in some time for you. When you find those people, you should realize your luck and act accordingly.
‘Can’t miss’ opportunities at Temple Law
If you’re looking for a class where people will disagree with each other — substantively, respectfully and productively — you’ve got to take Prof. Laura Little’s First Amendment class. If you’ve got the stomach for an all-day Saturday class that starts during winter break, you will be rewarded. Also, Prof. Richard Feder’s Local Government Law class, you’d be a fool to miss this one.