“Make the most of everyday […] because it really is top of the line and it’s going to be outstanding for your career” -Todd, Extern
My name is Todd Jones, and I’m a rising 2L at Syracuse Law. I’m currently an extern in the Litigation Department at Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. Since I’ve been here, I’ve worked on a variety of different assignments. Most of my work has been research-based, which has been phenomenal because it’s really helped me hone my research skills—something I consider crucial for practicing law, especially in litigation.
In addition to research, I’ve had the opportunity to assist in editing motions and helping the attorneys here find the cases they’re looking for. I found out about Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. through my school’s on-campus interview website. Once I did some research, I knew this was an outstanding firm, and I’d be lucky to have the chance to work here this summer. My main goal was to learn as much as I could to refine my skills moving forward.
It didn’t take long for me to realize how well-regarded this firm is. You can tell from the website how many important cases the firm handles and the quality of work the attorneys here produce. My first impression was that everyone was incredibly welcoming. It didn’t matter what position someone held—whether they were a partner or associate—everyone made time to talk and answer questions. That’s something I really valued here.
A lot of places have a strong sense of hierarchy, where externs don’t get the time of day, but here, attorneys are happy to engage with you. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about my externship is that the attorneys are willing to discuss case strategies with me. Instead of just focusing on the specific issue I worked on, they were open to explaining the big picture, which was something I really appreciated and found interesting.
I applied through my school’s on-campus interview website and within a few days received an email asking which department I preferred—litigation or banking. I chose litigation and scheduled my interview. The interview was about 25 minutes long, very friendly and conversational. They asked me about my background, my experience, and why I was specifically interested in working at this firm. I made sure to express my interest in real estate and civil litigation, especially because of my passion for writing. I chose litigation over transactional work because I love writing and believe it’s one of my strengths.
What I enjoy most about working here at ALBPC is the real hands-on experience. In law school, everything is very theoretical, and you don’t get the day-to-day exposure of being an attorney. What I’ve learned here has been invaluable. For example, before coming here, I didn’t know all the procedural steps that go into filing a motion or how to reference exhibits properly. These practical experiences have been incredibly valuable and will help me in the future.
Compared to some of my peers, I’ve received far more hands-on experience. Many externs end up with virtual assignments and busy work, but here, I’ve had the chance to work on substantive legal tasks, which is much more valuable in terms of learning.
My favorite project was working on a motion to dismiss and a motion to disqualify with Michael and Eric. On my first day, the motion to dismiss was about to be filed, so I helped with research. I struggled more than I would now, but that’s part of the learning process. I assisted with preparing exhibits and ensuring all factual assertions in the motion aligned with the exhibits. I stayed with the case throughout, helping until the motion was filed, and later got to work on opposing a motion in the same case. That opportunity to see a case through different stages was really rewarding.
The attorneys here at ALBPC are not only knowledgeable but also very approachable. I’ve worked with at least 10 different attorneys, which is unique for a summer externship. Having the chance to work with multiple attorneys provides a broader perspective and insight into how to be a professional in this field. The attention to detail they exhibit in everything they do is inspiring.
I would highly recommend an externship at ALBPC to other law students. For anyone aspiring to be a litigator, this is an excellent opportunity. Everything you do here is real, practical experience that will help you refine your research and writing skills—two essential tools for any litigator. Since I’ve been here, I’ve become at least three times more efficient as a researcher, which will save me time in the future and help me find the right answers.
My advice to future externs here would be to be confident in yourself and take full advantage of the opportunities at ALBPC. The attorneys will work with you, answer your questions, and help you grow, but it’s really up to you how much you’ll take from the experience. Make the most of every day, because your externship won’t last forever, and you have a chance to learn from some of the best in the field.