Summer Job Diary: Yeva Mikaelyan

Rising 2L Finds More Than Law at Big Law Internship

Summer Job Diaries 2019
Yeva Mikaelyan ’21

Yeva Mikaelyan ’21 is a rising second-year day student spending her summer as an associate at Ogeltree Deakins, a leading labor and employment law firm.

Q: How did you land your summer job?

A: I knew about Ogletree Deakins from my job before law school. I always admired the quality of their work and counsel, so I applied to their summer associate program. I went on two rounds of interviews with nine attorneys and shared common ground with each one—whether it was an interest in embracing technology in law, a background in HR and psychology, or an undying love for cold brew coffee. I was offered the position about a week later!

Q: What is the most interesting part of your job?

A: First, working with brilliant people and learning about the nuanced and constantly changing world of California employment law. Second, the firm’s culture: Not only does everyone get along, but senior attorneys are so invested in the growth of junior attorneys. For me, it’s essential to work somewhere where people lift each other up and help each other grow, and I’m glad that I have found that for the summer.

Q: What has been your most challenging assignment thus far?

A: Building a calculator to predict a client’s potential exposure for violations of a California act has been my biggest challenge. The project has required me to research an area of law that is not well-settled and to use my data background in a completely new way. Combining my knowledge while learning something totally new has been a great growing experience.

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

A: I had great legal research and writing professors who helped me feel confident tackling new questions. When attorneys give me advice about where to start researching an assignment, most of the time, I would have done it the same way myself (huge shout-out to Professors Stephanie Der and Katherine Lyons!)

Q: How has Loyola helped you map your career path?

A: My career counselor, Marla Najbergier, has been incredible. She is always responsive, provides helpful feedback and lets me know about opportunities that might interest me. She stressed the importance of networking and reaching within my own circle for opportunities, and that is a big part of how I landed my job.