Why did you choose to work with one of the clinics? And why did you choose the legislative counsel clinic?
I really wanted to incorporate a practical element into my law school experience as an upper-class student. I think it's possible to forget that everything we learn in the 1L classroom has a real-world application. We may get a chance to start applying concepts during an internship or other experience during the 1L summer—I wanted to maintain that practical element during the school year.
I chose the legislative counsel clinic because I'm interested in public policy—particularly dealing with health care. I had done some work in the State House as part of my internship at Health Care For All, an organization promoting affordable health care, during my 1L summer. I was interested in getting a closer look at the legislative process, and the clinic offered a comprehensive yet structured forum to do so.
What was your placement and what was your role there?
Students in the legislative counsel clinic are assigned three different projects. One is a self-directed legislative history compilation on a law of your choice. Otherwise students work on two different large-scale projects for individual legislators or legislative committees. I researched and drafted a committee report on legislation that would alter the property tax liability of telecommunications companies. I also worked with Representative Khan on initiatives regarding women in prison.
What was your most memorable experience in your placement, and why?
I enjoyed spending time in the State House, attending hearings and sessions, and meeting with the legislators. It was great to play a role, at least for a semester, in the inner workings of Beacon Hill.
What do you think you got out of the program?
I most appreciated getting an understanding of the inner workings of Beacon Hill as well as legislative processes in general. I also understand a lot more about telecom tax than I ever thought I would!
What advice would you give to incoming students curious about the clinical programs?
Go talk to the clinical faculty and students who have participated in the clinic. If you like what you hear—go for it!
