Summer Job Diaries: ‘Benefits of Externing for a Judge’? Let 1L Count the Ways
After just one year of law school, Niki Jazayeri ’28 was thrilled to discover that she could already apply what she’s learned in class to real-life cases as a judicial extern for Hon. Serena R. Murillo ’96, U.S. District Court, Central District of California. She also made connections with Loyola alumni and experienced firsthand how members of the community support one another.
How did you land your summer job?
I began researching the process of landing a judicial externship in late October. This consisted of talking to my career counselor, my peers, and attending the "Benefits of Externing for a Judge" panel at LLS. I sent out my applications for summer 2026 toward the end of November, really investing time in applying to judges I felt would be a good fit. Given everything else going on during my first year, it was more of a quality-over-quantity approach. I heard back from chambers a couple of months after applying, was offered an interview, and was hired a week later!
What was/is the most interesting part of your job?
The most interesting part of my job is witnessing the vast array of cases that come through the Central District, ranging from putative class action suits to multi-defendant criminal trials. I feel fortunate to observe different styles of argumentation and the phases cases move through. Having the debrief afterward in chambers really helps solidify my understanding of the proceedings and which methods of advocacy work better than others.
What has been your most challenging assignment thus far?
My most challenging assignment so far has been a motion to strike based on state law. It involves several parties and competing considerations, with multiple claims and counterclaims implicating both state and federal law. I've been challenged to stay mindful of the procedural history that has led the case to this point. This balancing act makes researching more difficult, as I find myself being pulled toward different legal issues. Even so, I'm grateful to have been assigned this case and for the opportunity to grow from it.
What new legal skill have you acquired during your summer job?
A new legal skill I've acquired during my judicial externship is the ability to issue-spot within long, complex dockets and find the specific point on which a case turns. Sometimes the issue was substantive, other times procedural. This type of issue-spotting differs from the exercises we had on our exams, so it took time to adjust to the judicial approach. As I got more practice, I felt more confident spotting the dispositive issue without as much guidance or second-guessing.
What bit of legal knowledge have you been able to display?
I was happy that I could display some of the knowledge I gained from my Adjudicative Criminal Procedure elective. After sentencing hearings, change of pleas, and bond reviews, we sit with our judge to discuss what we've just observed, and that elective gives me a framework for following what's happening. Another aspect of my legal knowledge I get to use is how to effectively engage with Westlaw as a research tool. It feels incredibly gratifying, and frankly surreal, to be able to apply my knowledge and skills so quickly after 1L to contribute meaningfully to chambers.
How has Loyola helped you map your career path?
Loyola has provided countless resources and support throughout this journey. The Career Development Office played a huge role in guiding me through the decision-making process, talking me through my options and pointing me toward resources I wouldn't have found on my own. They were responsive to my questions and consistently supportive of my goals.
If you worked with LLS alumni this summer, tell us a little bit about what it was like.
This summer, I had the opportunity to work with two LLS alumni as well as a fellow LLS extern in chambers. It was amazing to see how far the LLS community reaches beyond school and to hear different perspectives from previous years and other sections. I’m happy to have made more connections while learning more about Loyola in the process. Seeing the way our law school shows up for the Los Angeles community is inspiring, and I'm honored to be part of it.