From Clerkship to Private Practice: Research, Writing, and Challenging Assumptions

Alexis Taitel, a commercial litigator and fourth-year associate at a large firm, spent her first two years after law school clerking in federal district court. She explains what a federal clerkship really involves and how that experience helped her launch a litigation career in private practice. Alexis offers a window into her work on breach of contract cases as a mid-level associate, from pre-litigation strategy and writing compelling motions to learning how to advocate effectively from behind the scenes. She shares her love for legal writing and research, comparing research to a scavenger hunt and writing to storytelling. Alexis also reflects on the steep learning curve and pressures of the billable hour, the mentorship she’s received, and how the reality of being a lawyer differs from what she once imagined. Alexis is a graduate of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Seattle Law Learn more about Seattle University School of Law Learn more about Seton Hall BU Law Learn more about Boston University School of Law Learn more about Blueprint Access LawHub today! Learn more about Baylor Law William & Mary Law Learn more about William & Mary Law School Loyola Law School Learn more about Loyola Law School