Summer Job Diaries: Second-Year Lands Out-of-State Externship at Nevada Court of Appeals

Annette Lee ’28 expanded her job search beyond the California border and landed an externship at the Nevada Court of Appeals this summer. Her work has added to Nevada’s developing body of caselaw, which will contribute to future appellate cases. Though her goal is to pursue transactional law, the externship broadened her horizons and gave her valuable experience in litigation.

How did you land your summer job? 

I landed my summer job by reaching out directly to the Nevada Court of Appeals. I knew I wanted to spend my summer working in Las Vegas, but I also recognized that the courts there likely hired primarily from Nevada law schools. Even so, I decided to take a chance and apply. Fortunately, I was selected by Bonnie A. Bulla, chief judge of the Nevada Court of Appeals, to serve as her summer extern. 

What is the most interesting part of your job? 

The most interesting part of my job is handling appellate work in Nevada. Unlike California, where caselaw addresses nearly every legal issue, Nevada has had less time and fewer resources to develop its own body of precedent. It is incredibly exciting to work on these cases and contribute to the development of Nevada state law.

What has been your most challenging assignment thus far? 

The most challenging assignment was the most recent case I worked on. The issue I was tasked with researching and analyzing in a memo was highly complex, and there was surprisingly no precedent addressing the issue, not even in federal courts or other state courts. Thankfully, I was able to collaborate with the clerk to brainstorm new research strategies and piece together relevant cases like a puzzle to properly examine the issue.

What new legal skill have you acquired during your summer job? 

I drafted an order, which was something I had never done before. It was very exciting to write a document that carried such official significance and to contribute to the court’s work in that way.

What bit of legal knowledge have you been able to display? 

I was able to apply much of what I learned in Civil Procedure, Torts, and Criminal Law throughout my work. Additionally, my Legal Research and Writing class provided a strong foundation for analyzing appellate briefs and drafting objective legal memoranda.

How has Loyola helped you map your career path? 

My first-year classes really helped map my career path. While I ultimately plan to pursue transactional work, my coursework opened my eyes to the world of litigation and sparked an interest that led me to my judicial externship at the Nevada Court of Appeals. I am very grateful for that experience and the opportunities it has provided.