Finale

Well I think it’s time to bring this experiment to a close.  The next semester of school starts very soon, and I’m already getting overloaded with the amount of work needed to start things off on the right foot.  While there are still more Alaska stories to tell they’ll have to be in person, at a later time.

Part of the work I’m involved with now is applying for summer jobs.  To do so I reference previous experiences and skills I’ve gained, and of course Alaska is top of the list.  And although I would talk about how positive it was and how much I learned regardless, it was positive and I did learn a lot.

It’s a cliche by this point, but law school does not teach you how to be a lawyer.  It certainly helps, but there are facets to the practice that are simply not covered in school, at least in the first year.  The human element is large, whether it’s explaining to a client why they’re screwed, or talking to another attorney about the logistics of a court appearance.  Even if there was a class on real world practice, immersion is the best teacher.  I am certain the lessons I learned at the firm I worked in this summer will be with me my entire career.

Secondly, I practiced and refined my writing.  Here’s the dirty little secret about law: A good writer will make a good lawyer regardless of their legal “skills”, while someone who can read a case and zero in on the key elements, but can’t communicate them, will always falter.  Communication in general, and writing in particular, is so important in the legal world that I would rather employ someone who received an A in legal writing and C in every other class than the reverse.  Ironically perhaps, being skilled in legal writing also helps for your final exams.

Alaska wasn’t all roses.  The class was interesting, if probably near-worthless to whatever focus I decide to do(although you never know).  Anchorage is still kind of a dump, although picks up considerably with access to a car.  There were trips that didn’t turn out great, and trips that I wished I could have taken.  But it was seven weeks in a foreign state; it’s not supposed to be perfect.  Even with the occasional snag, the experience was positive and will continue to pay dividends.  Although I missed my friends and loved ones, career-wise I don’t think I could have had a better summer.  Also Alaska’s gorgeous.  Everyone should visit, though perhaps not live there for a couple of months.

This blog was an interesting experiment.  How consistent would my writing be?  Answer: not very.  But it was good practice for that oh-so critical skill.  Will I try another one?  Maybe…I’m sure year two is worth some ink down the line.  But the idea of taking on another project right now gives me chills.  However if I do so, I will post the URL right here.  Consider it the post script.  Otherwise, this is it for me for a while.  Thanks to all you loyal reader, and best of luck.

-Noah