A chance meeting in the law library turned into a summer externship for UDSL student Phil Cornelius, which then turned into much more than an opportunity to practice professional lawyering skills - it developed into an offer for a job after he graduates this spring. His future employer, McNamee & McNamee, PLL, boasts that its attorneys bring unique backgrounds to their practice, and Cornelius says it was his prior experience in business and tax fields that made him a good fit with the firm.
Where did you extern?
I externed at McNamee & McNamee Law Offices, located behind the Fairfield Mall in Beavercreek. It’s a real estate litigation firm that also does business, tax, and probate. We represent Sinclair, the City of Englewood, construction companies, a title insurance company, and numerous individuals.
Why did you decide to pursue this particular externship opportunity?
I have a business/tax background and wanted to work at a transactional firm. I met the firm’s tax attorney my first semester of law school when I was studying at my normal spot in the library, and he was sitting across the table from me. Nine months later, I was seeking a good externship, so I sent him an email, and the firm responded back the next morning.
The firm does more real estate and property issues than anything, which fits my interest. When I was younger, I strongly considered becoming an architect or civil engineer. Also, before law school, I considered getting a real estate license and volunteering at Habitat to learn how to build homes, and attempting to start a construction company, so, the real estate part of the firm adds a nice personal dimension.
Everyone there is extremely pleasant, and enjoying the atmosphere is the same as a free $20k employee benefit.
What is a typical day at your externship like for you?
The first month I did research, which utilized many of my classes at UD, especially contracts, research & writing, civil pro, ethics, probate, and business. The second month I began drafting complaints and motions, utilizing the firm’s prior complaints or motions as a guide. I also did a little bit of contract modifications and tax work.
What are you learning?
Probably the most important thing I was taught was that clients often want more than a half-line description on the billing statement of the work performed. I’m also continuing to learn how the legal field is a people business, not as much as sales, but a substantial amount. The firm recently hired a former JAG, and I’ve learned by watching him the value of discussing issues with coworkers. Ten minutes of discussion can save two hours of research.
What aspect of the externship has been the most beneficial to your law education?
I was surprised how much I used the knowledge gained in classes. Coming into law school, I expected to only utilize the tax and probate classes. However, I was asked to research issues in many categories. My UD writing class was superb, and the exact same topics required on the writing assignments, such as the public records laws, were used at work. This realization motivates me to continue applying myself through the remaining semesters.
How has the externship experience impacted your future career plans?
I have accepted the firm’s offer to work after taking the bar in July 2008. Due to my background, they plan to utilize me more in the business/tax/estate planning area. I also plan to do a part-time LLM in tax program (masters in tax) while working there.