Law Clinic Student Coordinator
by Sharonda Friday
My Law Clinic experience began with my first semester of law school. I knew and planned my schedule so I could experience the Law Clinic during my second summer semester. I was really looking forward to Clinic because I would finally be able to apply what I learned in class to the real world of being in the courtroom.
After my first year of law school, I began to get a little nervous about the responsibility of being an effective advocate for my client. A lot of the cases we read during the first year emphasized how one attorney was an effective advocate and the other attorney was not and the difference is only seen in hindsight. I spoke with Dean Vizzier about my nervousness and she suggested I apply for a job at the Law Clinic. That way I could experience the Clinic without the pressure of being an intern.
I applied for the position of Student Coordinator with Debi Schrock. I explained why I wanted the position she suggested I apply for the office assistant position since I lacked the experience for the Student Coordinator position. Through the office assistant position, I learned what it takes to efficiently manage a law office. I witnessed how teamwork and comradery would help sustain an intern through a tough time in a case. I was thrilled to see how supportive the staff and supervising attorneys were with the interns. With the combination of fellow interns, support staff and supervising attorneys, I knew I had nothing to fear.
My summer semester as a student intern was the best. I realized that I can do this full time and not be bored. I never got over the courtroom jitters but I did learn how to manage them. Since I now had experience in the Law Clinic, I decided to apply for the Student Coordinator position. As the Student Coordinator I have been able to give back to the Clinic a lot of the knowledge that has been passed on to me.
