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ichael Pace ’84, managing partner at Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore L.L.P., in Roanoke, took in three law students last term as part of a new externship program his firm created. The firm’s partners and associates served as supervisors and mentors for the students. It represents the first steps for the Law School as it begins to implement a new third-year curriculum that provides students with better preparation to practice law (see page 20 for the story about the new third-year curriculum). ”We wanted to expose the students to the importance of being a part of the fabric of a community, as well as our knowledge of the law,” said Pace. “Professionalism, good judgment, involvement in bar activities, networking opportunities, client relationships and community ties are as much a part of what it takes to be a good lawyer as education and training.” Last fall, Pace worked with Dean Rod Smolla, Associate Dean Bob Danforth and Externship Director Mary Natkin ’85 on the details. The result, said Danforth, was a program unlike any other the school had ever developed. It worked because of careful planning, consistent monitoring and Gentry Locke’s attorneys’ willingness to contribute significant hours to the project. “Thanks to Mike’s and Mary’s efforts, this program worked beautifully,” he said. “The students who participated raved about their experiences, and now we have a template upon which to continue to build this program in years to come.” He also noted, “Developing this externship was a tremendous undertaking on their part. In doing so, they performed not only a service to the school but to the profession.” In January, the first students arrived: Matt Weems ’08 spent his time with the business transaction group, Jessica Berenyi ’08 studied employment litigation and Bobby Littlehale ’03A, ’08 focused on commercial real estate section. “In business transactions, the cases are often very complex,” said Weems. “I took many courses during law school, but only through practice can you really train yourself to put the pieces together.” For four months, the three participated in client meetings with partners and associates, sat in on conference calls between lawyers, engaged in strategy sessions, researched cases, wrote briefs and attended court sessions—just as they would as a part of any private-practice legal team. They also attended zoning hearings, went to Roanoke’s Martin Luther King statue unveiling, met with government officials and judges, attended bar association luncheons and participated in depositions and all-day mediations. “Law classes prepare you to think like a lawyer, but they 10
To t a l I m m e r s i o n Three students gain valuable experience through an externship at Gentry Locke
From l. to r.: Matt Weems ’08, Mike Pace ’84, Bobby Littlehale ’03A, ’08, Jessica Berenyi ’08. can’t convey the culture of a law firm or show firsthand how lawyers interact with their clients and with each other,” said Littlehale. “The program gave us a chance to really see what it means to be part of a legal community.” Berenyi agreed. “We learned from people with years of practice experience—not only the lawyers in the firm, but judges, politicians, other attorneys, even speakers at the events we attended. Everyone brought a different skill set, which broadened the whole experience. The entire environment was supportive. They encouraged questions, challenged us to not worry so much about making a mistake. Best of all, they were just nice people to work with.” All three students said the program changed the way they looked at the law and their eventual careers. Berenyi said she still plans on practicing real estate law, but will feel more comfortable if she’s called upon to do litigation. Littlehale plans a career in corporate investigations but has developed an interest in real estate transactions. Weems says his focus has shifted somewhat: he plans to return to Chicago to practice but now knows that he enjoys working on all aspects of a transaction, not just a sliver. “The broad experience we’ve gained here expands our marketability as attorneys,” Weems said. “And it’s taught us how rewarding being part of the community can be.”
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