Summer Job Diaries: Rising 3L Benefits from Alumni Mentorship as a Summer Associate at Buchalter
Alfredo Lorenzo '22 is a rising 3L working as a summer associate at Buchalter's Los Angeles office where he is applying lessons learned during his 1L Property course to the drafting of contracts and agreements used in financing deals.
How did you land your summer job?
I landed this summer position at Buchalter after my counselor, Jill Myers, informed me of this opportunity. It was a quick process where I applied on a Tuesday, received an invitation on Wednesday to interview on Friday, and was hired that same day.
What is the most interesting part of your job?
The most interesting part about my job is the volume and level of work we are given. We are given what has been described as “Junior Junior Associate work”, which includes drafting contracts and agreements. I have also enjoyed learning practical real estate transactional skills during my time at Buchalter.
What new legal skill have you acquired during your summer job?
In the same vein, being given this level of work also comes with challenges. I was fortunate enough to experience the closing of an important deal at a very close level, and I participated and helped in any way I could. It was challenging because I definitely felt a bit out of my depth and it was not something I expected to do as a law clerk, but I am at my best when the stakes are at their highest, so I felt that I learned a lot from the experience, and I am grateful to have gone through that.
What bit of legal knowledge have you been able to display?
I have learned the basics of drafting contracts and agreements. I have also kept a close eye on the more advanced work that attorneys here do, although I have not had the opportunity to put it into practice myself, it is still helpful to get an idea of what the future holds.
How has Loyola helped you map your career path?
My Property course during my 1L year has allowed me to demonstrate knowledge on future interests regards a loan deal I contributed to. LLS has presented me with opportunities to interview with many great firms, and ultimately helped me with this opportunity to be at a place I truly enjoy being at in Buchalter.
Talk a little bit about what it is like to work with LLS alumni this summer.
I am lucky to have been mentored by amazing attorneys, many of whom are LLS alumni, such as Michael Williamson, Scott Salomon, Kenny Tamura and Aaron Elster. They have all made themselves readily available to my many questions and have helped me grow during my time at Buchalter. I am fortunate not only to have four LLS alumni to guide me, but that they are all so incredibly patient and that they make me feel as if they are genuinely interested in my professional growth.