I began working in the Transactional Law Clinics in August of 2012.
I’ve always been drawn to transactional law, as I like the idea of people working together to accomplish a common goal – though those people may have different ideas about how to get there! The lawyer’s role is to navigate the legal path to that common goal, and I enjoy that process. In our clinic, we assist clients with small business and nonprofit legal matters, real estate transactions, entertainment law matters, and project-based work intended to foster community economic development. I also work with the Recording Artists Project, which is a student practice organization.
This semester I have six students in the Community Enterprise Project, which is a division of the Transactional Law Clinics. One of our projects involves a partnership with a local nonprofit organization that works in the area of affordable housing, and together we are putting together materials to assist people who own condos understand the legal implications of belonging to a condo association. When condo associations fail to properly function, buying and selling those units can become impossible, which stifles economic development in the community. Through the project, we hope to reach people facing these issues and help them out of a tough spot, whether through the written materials, community workshops, or by assisting them with direct legal representation in the clinic.
The best part about my job is the constant interaction I have with interesting people. Most of our clients are entrepreneurs, and their passion is palpable — helping them on their journey from business idea to reality is such a joy. Our students are a brilliant, tenacious team, and it’s a thrill to witness how genuinely invested they are in their clients and projects. I am also grateful to work alongside Brian Price, Jim Jacobs, Joe Hedal, and the other clinicians across HLS, as they are excellent lawyers, committed teachers, and invaluable sounding boards.
When I’m not working, I like to be outside as much as possible, whether spending time with my husband and dog or taking a long bike ride.