“Be a sponge, just absorb everything, all the knowledge that you get from here…”-Angela Qu, Extern
My name is Angela Qu, and I’m a third-year law student at Hofstra Law, currently a litigation extern in the landlord-tenant department, but I also do work in the litigation department overall.
My day-to-day tasks include conducting research, which is mainly finding cases on Westlaw to support the attorneys’ arguments. I also handle drafting, which can range from smaller tasks like cease-and-desist letters to larger projects such as motions to dismiss. Additionally, I have the opportunity to go to court and attend inspections to observe the attorneys in action.
My supervisors are Vlad and Serena. Both of them are excellent mentors. They approach teaching like educators, making sure I understand each assignment thoroughly before I begin. I know that if I have any questions, I can always go to them. They create a really comfortable environment, and I truly appreciate that.
Adam is a very welcoming boss. I remember that on my first day, he made sure I had a good introduction to the firm. Even though my office is on the opposite side of the building, whenever he passes by my area, he always takes the time to say hello, which I really appreciate. Adam is also a skilled litigator, and I’ve noticed his ability to command attention in the room and use his negotiation skills to get the best results.
The office environment here is great. Everyone—attorneys and staff alike—are really welcoming, which makes the whole experience so enjoyable. The happy hour events we’re invited to are a nice touch because they give me the chance to get to know everyone better.
One of my favorite things I worked on was drafting a motion for summary judgment. It was a long process, but it’s such an important document in litigation. The attorney who assigned it to me gave me excellent feedback, which helped me improve. I learned so much from that experience, and it will definitely be useful as I continue in my career.
I highly recommend this firm to anyone, especially if you’re interested in real estate law. It’s a great opportunity, and even if you’re not sure if real estate is right for you, this externship will provide invaluable skills that can be applied to any area of law. For example, I’ve also worked on non-real estate matters, such as trademark law, estate law, criminal law, and even a personal injury case.
My advice to future externs is to always be honest with yourself. If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask questions. This firm is busy, so there’s always work to do, and bringing a notepad and pen with you is essential. Also, when given an assignment, make sure you know the deadline, especially if you’re only in the office part-time, like I am (Tuesdays and Thursdays). This helps you manage your time effectively. Finally, my biggest piece of advice is to be a sponge—absorb all the knowledge and skills you can. The experience here will help shape your future career and improve your professional abilities.