Salome Adeishvili – Georgetown Legal English Blog

Externship Diaries: Salome Adeishvili (August 2024 – post #3)

*Salome Adeishvili, Georgetown Law Two-Year LLM, 2023-25*

Post by Salome Adeishvili, who just completed her first year of Georgetown Law’s Two-Year LLM and will graduate in Spring 2025. Salome is from a small town called Samtredia in Georgia. Fun fact from Salome: Samtredia translates as “three pigeons.” 🙂

In case you missed them, you can read Salome’s prior posts here.

August 2024

Dear Diary (and Future Readers),

Do you want to know how it all concluded? We have reached the satisfying moment when you can tuck this experience away on the imaginary shelves of your mind and the real lines of your resume. Let’s delve into the final facets of a summer externship that are worth reflecting on before you close this chapter.

In the first part of this blog, I will wrap up the discussion on the final steps of Georgetown University’s requirements and share my thoughts and experiences on crafting the Reflection Memo, as I promised in my second post. In the second part, I will discuss the value of externships for multilingual international lawyers. In the third part, I will discuss the strategies to develop professional growth and skills during an externship. In the conclusion, I will reflect on how transformative this externship has been for this new chapter of my academic and professional career.

Crafting the Reflection Memo

In this part, I will be guiding you on how to effectively approach writing your Reflection Memo at the end of your externship. The Reflection Memo is a critical component of your externship experience, allowing you to thoughtfully analyze and document what you have learned, how you have grown, and how your experience aligns with your career goals. I will share three important strategies on how to stay engaged with these reflective topics throughout your placement to ensure that when the time comes to write your memo, you will have a wealth of insights ready to shape into a meaningful reflection.

First, to prepare for writing the Reflection Memo, it is essential to approach your externship with an active mindset, continuously engaging with the key topics the memo will cover. Throughout the externship, you should keep in mind the questions you need to answer, allowing you to reflect on your experiences throughout the externship.

Second, during the semester, your externship supervisor from Georgetown University will most likely point out specific topics and areas that can inform your memo. This guidance is invaluable, as it helps you know what to pay attention to and what reflections will be most relevant to your final write-up. As you work on cases or engage in various tasks, consider how these activities align with the organization’s mission and your initial expectations. Pay attention to surprising elements of the work environment or your responsibilities, as these will form a crucial part of your reflection. It is also beneficial to observe how your skills develop over time, noting specific tasks that contribute to your growth. Take note of any lessons or insights gained that go beyond classroom learning, as these will be valuable in your reflection on the most important takeaways from the externship.

Third, use the expected discourse conventions for the Reflection Memo. In the first year of my Two-Year LLM program, I took Fundamentals of Legal Writing I and II. These courses were crucial in teaching me how to write like a US legal professional, focusing on US writing styles tailored for legal readers. This approach was entirely new to me, as I had not previously encountered this style of legal writing in my career. I highly recommend paying close attention to these classes, as they will be invaluable not only for writing your Reflection Memo for the externship but also for crafting any academic papers during your second year.

In summary, writing a strong Reflection Memo requires ongoing engagement with your experiences, noting your evolving thoughts, and advanced writing skills, all while keeping in mind the specific guidance provided by your supervisor.

Why is it valuable to do an externship/internship for multilingual international lawyers

In this part, I will cover two key benefits of an externship: gaining real-world experience in a different legal system and enhancing language skills in legal contexts.

Real-World Experience in a Different Legal System

As a multilingual lawyer from a Civil Law country, engaging in an externship has been essential for me. It has given me the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in a Common Law system, which is quite different from what I am familiar with. This exposure has been crucial in helping me understand the nuances and complexities of practicing law in a jurisdiction other than my own. Before I can fully step into the role of an attorney and take on all the responsibilities that come with it, I needed to have this experience. It prepared me for the challenges of working in a Common Law system, ensuring that I am well-equipped to navigate this legal system with confidence.

Enhanced Language Skills in Legal Contexts

Being multilingual is undoubtedly an asset, but using multiple languages in a professional legal setting takes those skills to a higher level. It helps refine your language abilities, especially those that rely on legal terminology and formal communication. In this context, it is not just about translating words but truly understanding the legal concepts behind them. Sometimes, literal translations of legal terms can lead to confusion, as the same word might mean something entirely different in another legal system. This is why asking questions and seeking explanations about legal terms is crucial. For a lawyer coming from a non-English-speaking country, this experience is invaluable. It helps you become proficient in the legal language of another country, setting you apart in the global legal market and ensuring that you can navigate complex legal discussions with confidence and clarity.

Growth and Skills: Lessons Learned and Future Advice

This part of the blog will cover how I have grown in my professional skills and how these skills will benefit my future career and LLM studies.

Growth as a Legal Professional

At the start of my externship, managing my time and handling complex immigration cases was tough. I felt overwhelmed and struggled to keep up with the fast pace. But as I practiced and adapted, I became more efficient and organized. The feedback from my supervisor attorney was incredibly helpful, turning my challenges into learning opportunities. My advice is not to get discouraged. Even if progress can feel slow, keep moving forward, practicing, and doing your best. Every small step counts, and, with persistence, you will eventually find yourself making significant strides toward success.

Skills to Take into My Legal Career and LLM

The skills I have developed during this externship will be pivotal for my future career. I have gained a solid understanding of US Immigration Law, which aligns with my professional interests. As I progress into my second year and take courses on Immigration and Refugee Law, this practical experience will provide a significant advantage. Conversely, these courses will address any gaps in my theoretical knowledge. Together, this blend of hands-on and theoretical experiences will equip me to handle complex legal issues with confidence and professionalism.

For future students, my advice is to make the most of your externship by aligning it with the field you plan to study and work in. Choose a placement that complements your academic and career goals, and strive to gain as much practical experience as possible. Your externship is an opportunity to build a strong foundation for your future career, so embrace it fully and do your best.

Conclusion

In wrapping up this journey, it is clear that an externship offers far more than just a glimpse into the professional world—it is a transformative experience that shapes both your legal skills and your career outlook. From mastering the art of reflection to navigating a new legal system and honing language skills, every challenge encountered is an opportunity for growth. As you prepare to take the next steps in your career and academic pursuits, remember that the insights and experiences gained during your externship will serve as a solid foundation for your future successes.

To speak of my experience, this journey, once daunting, now sits neatly on the shelf of my professional life, ready to support the next steps in my LLM studies and beyond. I got my second happy ending. But just as one chapter closes, another begins. Is there a prospect of a third happy ending to this story?

I received a job offer from my externship firm, which I happily accepted. There will be more to share about that in the future, in a different time and place, but for now, let’s savor this accomplishment and look forward to what comes next.

Externship Diaries: Salome Adeishvili (July 2024 – post #2)

July 2024

Dear Diary (and Future Readers),

Are you curious about what happens after the happy ending? After all those celebratory LinkedIn posts about securing an externship? The truth is that adjusting to a new position is not always smooth sailing. Yes, life marches on after the happy ending, but it is not all roses and unicorns. The first steps are often filled with fear and doubt, which is a natural part of life. But I am here to share my experience of navigating these uncertain moments and the fear of not fitting in. Hopefully, you can benefit from reading about my journey.

In the first part of this blog, I will cover the technical aspects of an externship, particularly how to ensure that you fulfill Georgetown Law’s requirements and deadlines so that your hard work pays off. In the second part, I will share my experiences in the field itself. The latter will have subsections that will discuss my externship journey, highlighting the skills I already possessed, areas where I aimed to improve, and practical advice for future students preparing for similar opportunities.

Technical aspects of the externship

At the start of your externship, you will receive a detailed email from the director of the LL.M. Academic Externship Program outlining your duties and deadlines for various required document submissions. Make sure to mark all the dates and carefully check that you complete each required step. Key documents include the Externship Goals Form, Weekly Sheets, and the Reflection Memo.

In the Externship Goals Form, you will (1) outline your objectives and (2) detail the legal skills you hope to develop, the types of professional experiences you aim to have, and how you plan to achieve these goals. You will also need to reflect on the feedback your externship supervisor provides about your goals. Thinking ahead about your goals can shape your path and motivate you to excel in your externship.

Weekly Sheets need to be filled out at the end of each week. They capture what you learned, what you did, and how those experiences influenced your perspective on the externship. This weekly summary can help to sum up those five days of your life and reveal the dynamics of your work, showing whether your path is monochromatic – routine and unchanging – or multi-colored – out of your comfort zone and full of exciting challenges.

The Reflection Memo is due at the end of the externship. Since I still have a month to go, my thoughts on it are still forming. I will share my experience of writing the Reflection Memo in my third and final blog post about my Summer Externship.

Field experience

In this part, I’ll reflect on my externship experience, focusing on the skills I brought to the table, those I needed to develop, and advice for future students preparing for similar opportunities.

Skills I Already Had

Before starting my externship, I had the advantage of completing the first year of my Two-Year LL.M. Program, which included a comprehensive course, Introduction to the US Legal System. This class provided me with a solid foundation in the workings of the US legal system and the key principles of the common law. Additionally, my US Legal Research Analysis and Writing class taught me how to draft memorandums effectively, a skill that proved invaluable during my externship. Approaching assignments, especially memos, with confidence and clarity was a direct result of this training.

Moreover, the US Legal Research Analysis and Writing class taught me how to use Westlaw to look up precedent cases, equipping me with essential research skills. This is particularly beneficial for students from countries with civil law systems who are not familiar with common law research techniques. This preparation gave me an edge over other externs who might not have had the same training, especially in conducting research on common law and related issues. Learning these skills in my LL.M. program was incredibly beneficial, setting me up for success in my externship.

Skills I Needed to Develop

Despite my strong background, I quickly realized that excelling in a law firm required developing new skills, especially for multilingual, international students like myself. Sharpening my communication skills and improving my time management became top priorities. The ability to clearly verbalize ideas and efficiently manage multiple tasks is crucial in a fast-paced legal environment, where even a single punctuation mark in an email can significantly alter its meaning and tone.

While my LL.M. program at Georgetown Law did not formally cover these nuances, insights into correct communication skills were subtly embedded throughout classes, particularly in Fundamentals of Legal Writing. This class introduced us to the world of US legal writing and its practices. My Drafting Contracts professor often emphasized that small stylistic mistakes in emails could unintentionally convey disrespect, despite our good intentions. This lesson underscored the importance of understanding the unwritten rules of business communication in the legal world. Adjusting to these nuances has been crucial for navigating different cultural and work ethic norms, ensuring I communicate effectively and professionally in my role.

Advice for Future Students

In addition to the other points I have discussed, another top piece of advice for students preparing for an externship or internship is to remain vigilant and proactive. Always seek clarification when uncertain and do not hesitate to ask questions, regardless of how trivial they may seem. Double and triple-check your work meticulously, as you will be dealing with real cases that can have a significant impact on people’s lives. It’s crucial to verify everything with your supervising attorneys to prevent errors. Remember, this experience goes beyond theory—it’s about real-world practice where mindfulness is crucial.

In conclusion, the externship journey extends far beyond the initial excitement captured in celebratory LinkedIn posts. This journey will push you to grow, adapt, and learn how to navigate both the technical demands and the practical realities of the legal profession. From meticulously managing documentation and setting clear goals to refining communication skills and adapting to new cultural and professional norms, each aspect of your externship can contribute to your personal and professional development. Each step towards the second happy ending – completing the externship – marks both personal growth and readiness for the challenges ahead in the legal profession.

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Are you a current student or an alumnus of the Georgetown Law Two-Year LLM Program? Would you like to write a post or series of posts for the Georgetown Legal English Blog with your own experience, advice, or ideas? Just email Prof. Stephen Horowitz at stephen.horowitz@georgeown.edu.

Externship Diaries: Salome Adeishvili (May 2024)

May 2024

Dear Diary (and Future Readers),

Are you interested in finding an externship in the US? My diary is here to guide you. I am excited to share my experiences and insights that led me to secure an externship as a Georgetown Law student. In my diary, you will be able to follow my steps closely. This established path aims to make your future endeavors smoother and more rewarding. I will outline four crucial steps in chronological order to help you navigate the process successfully. The first step involves preparing all the necessary documentation. The second step covers the process of finding an externship. The third step focuses on preparing for the interview. The fourth step outlines the administrative steps required to make your externship official.

Preparing your documentation

The first step is crucial for building a strong foundation: gathering the necessary documentation. This documentation includes your resume, professional references, personal statement, and writing sample.

Begin by refining your resume using the available resources at Georgetown Law’s Office of Graduate Careers. Start this process early in your first semester, as perfecting a resume takes time, and you will need it ready when it is time to apply for externships.

Next, gather your professional references. List at least three references, selecting a mix of professors and former or current employers.

Then, draft a general personal statement in advance to adapt it based on different positions. This allows you to easily adapt it to fit the specific interests and requirements of each firm or organization you apply to.

Finally, have a writing sample ready. Many organizations will request one. Obtaining a writing sample from your courses in your program is quite efficient. If you are in the One-Year LL.M. at Georgetown Law, try to take a class in your first semester with a paper requirement (e.g., USLRAW or a seminar course.) If you are in the Two-Year LL.M. Program, you can use your USLRAW memo or your second-semester Fundamentals Legal Writing II paper.

The Process of Finding an Externship

For the second step, set aside a specific time each day to focus solely on finding externships across various platforms. Make this a daily habit and prioritize it over other commitments, including midterms, exams, assignments, or social activities. Begin this process early in the semester, ideally 3-4 months before you wish to start your externship, whether in summer, fall, or spring.

When searching for externships using different resources, use keywords like “summer externship/internship for law students,” with or without mentioning a specific organization. If you are interested in a particular field, include related keywords. For example, I was looking for opportunities at an immigration law firm, so I added “immigration” to my above-mentioned keywords.

One set of resources is available exclusively for Georgetown Law students: Symplicity, a Georgetown Law database of employers and job opportunities, and TIP Symplicity, the pre-approved externships database created especially for Georgetown Law students. Another set of resources is widely available, LinkedIn, a professional networking platform that connects you with industry professionals and job postings, and Indeed, a comprehensive job search engine. Combine these with other relevant job search platforms to maximize your chances of finding externship opportunities.

Also, manage your applications with an Excel sheet/Word document to track companies, deadlines, documents, and follow-ups. Regularly update your spreadsheet and stay proactive to enhance your chances of securing an externship. Consistent effort and dedication will significantly increase your chances of finding the perfect externship.

Preparing for the Interview

For the third step, take advantage of Georgetown University’s services and schedule a mock interview with the Office of Graduate Careers. While you may have previous interview experience, different countries often have unique ways of talking about their experiences and potential value to a company or organization. To highlight these qualities, utilize the resources provided by the university to ensure you are well-prepared.

Make Your Externship Official

After successfully securing the position, if you plan to accrue credit in an externship, ensure you complete all the necessary administrative steps. Fill out an LL.M. Externship Application Google form and request that your future employer complete the Supervision Agreement for Externship Field Supervisor form and send it to Molly Jackson. This ensures your hard work is recorded and Georgetown University Law Center awards you two hours of academic credit.

In conclusion, navigating the externship journey as a Georgetown Law LL.M. student involves laying a strong foundation by preparing essential documentation, dedicating consistent time to the Process of Finding an Externship, utilizing university services for interview preparation, and finalizing administrative requirements to make your externship official and to ensure credit for your hard-earned result. By following these steps diligently and leveraging all the available resources, you can enhance your chances of securing a rewarding externship experience that aligns with your career goals and aspirations.

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P.S. Would you prefer to get paid for your work? If so, you should consider an internship. The main difference between an externship and an internship is that an externship provides university credits, while an internship usually offers a salary. The first three steps of the process are the same for both, but unlike an externship, an internship does not require university registration since it does not offer academic benefits. So, which option do you prefer?

P.P.S. To avoid any confusion, I also want to add that F-1 students are not permitted to work/intern/extern off-campus without approved optional practical training (OPT) or curricular practical training (CPT) work authorization.