As my summer internship at Erwin Law comes to a close, I’ve reflected on the amount of growth and change I’ve gone through in these few months. As a rising senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign studying Political Science with minors in Psychology and Legal Studies, my plan has always been to pursue law school. Nonetheless, there is a significant difference between studying the law in a classroom and witnessing it in practice every day. My internship at Erwin Law gave me the opportunity to bridge that gap.
After several years spent working in the service industry, transitioning to a boutique legal environment felt like a considerable professional transition. I was excited, but admittedly nervous – I wasn’t sure what to expect! From my first day at Erwin Law, I was given meaningful, hands-on responsibilities that directly supported the firm’s daily operations.
I was immediately made a part of the team, and this level of trust and independence challenged me to hone my attention to detail, adapt quickly to new processes, become comfortable with unfamiliarity, and approach every one of my assignments with care and precision.
This internship has served as a catalyst for both my professional and personal growth.
The work was daunting at times, but Jim and everyone at the firm provided the support and mentorship I needed to swiftly mold into a true asset to the team. Tackling real tasks with real ramifications showed me what I was capable of, while navigating a steep learning curve strengthened my confidence and work ethic. Most importantly, it empowered my belief that I have the resolve and competence to thrive in the legal field.
Throughout the summer, I was also fortunate to shadow various attorneys across a wide range of legal fields. Attending closings at title companies and reviewing title commitments, real estate contracts, and escrow documents displayed the diligence and integrity that goes into protecting a client’s interests and future. Concepts that had once only existed in textbooks, such as escrow, loans, wire transfers, and title commitments, became concrete realities.
I also observed depositions and visited the Cook County Circuit Court for various matters, directly witnessing how the law interacts with everyday life.
One of the most formative aspects of this internship was seeing how the attorneys navigate sensitive negotiations, seamlessly balancing zealous client representation with pragmatic problem solving and skilled communication. They were able to achieve that while simultaneously offering sensible guidance to opposing parties to find fair solutions. They demonstrated how to handle delicate cases like probate and eviction matters with tact, practicality, and empathy. These experiences taught me that excellent legal work requires equal parts strategy and compassion.
This experience has been instrumental for the development of my future career. I gained a much clearer understanding of an attorney’s day-to-day life, while enhancing skills such as critical thinking, precise legal writing, communication, organization, and problem-solving. Most importantly, this summer gave me confidence that I can thrive in a stimulating professional environment. I am leaving this internship more certain than ever that a long-term career in law is the right path for me.
I am deeply grateful to Jim and the entire Erwin Law team for their mentorship, patience, and encouragement. Thank you for welcoming me into the firm, answering my endless questions, and trusting me with meaningful work. I am grateful to leave this summer with not only a stronger understanding of the legal field, but also a newfound foundation that will serve me for the rest of my academic and professional journey!
