Summer Job Diaries: A Summer Gig at Universal Is a Day at the Park
Michael Guggenheim is a rising third-year JD student. His unique background includes stints founding a nonprofit helping underserved youth, helping run a collegiate baseball squad and providing pro bono legal services. He is spending his summer as a business and legal affairs intern at Universal Studios Parks & Resorts Global Development.
How did you land your summer job?
I actually have been in my current position with Universal Studios since my 1L summer. I was able to initially secure the position by frequently networking and with the assistance of the Career Development Office.
What is the most interesting part of your job?
I think the most interesting part of my job is the wide array of agreements I have the opportunity to view and analyze. The team I work with at Universal provides legal services for Universal’s theme parks and live entertainment around the globe. Accordingly, I have been able to review, redline and draft quite a few licensing agreements as well as analyze various performer and above-the-line talent agreements to determine what live entertainment rights were granted.
What has been your most challenging assignment thus far?
My most challenging assignment so far has been drafting a detailed memorandum that was eventually used by my supervising attorneys. The memorandum covered a very difficult subject and required that I analyze certain tax provisions and implications relating to licensing intellectual property, an area in which I was previously inexperienced. I am very grateful for the assignment as it helped me enhance both my legal writing and research skills.
What new legal skill(s) have you acquired during your summer job?
My position this summer has helped my legal writing skills grow tremendously. I have drafted various legal memoranda, as well as numerous transactions such as renewals and amendments to licensing agreements, NDAs and other documents. It has been really exciting to gain substantive experience in the field of transactional law as a law student.
What bit of legal knowledge have you been able to display?
I think that my team at Universal has really appreciated my ability to independently read and analyze various talent and license agreements. There have been numerous instances where my supervising attorneys have asked me to review an agreement and provide my analysis so that they can make a business decision.
How has Loyola helped you map your career path?
Loyola Law School has been instrumental in helping me map my career path. Loyola’s professors, Career Development Office and my fellow students have provided me with invaluable information on how to best achieve my goal of becoming an entertainment attorney. Further, Loyola’s alumni base is an incredible network for me. All of the alumni whom I have reached out to have been more than willing to connect and provide me with excellent career guidance.