LESA is pleased to welcome this year’s summer students – Julie Ward and Colin McKay!
Julie and Colin have settled in nicely into their roles here at LESA, working with Counsel, Christine Sanderman, and Staff Lawyer, Kelsey Dick – who is also a former LESA summer student.
We recently interviewed Julie and Colin to find out what they are up to this summer. Here’s what they told us.
Julie is an enthusiastic second-year law student at the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta. We recently spoke to Julie to learn more about her and find out what she is up to at LESA this summer.
How did you become interested in law?
In high school, I wanted to have the best GPA, so I did what I was good at and followed through. My dad wanted me to be a doctor and my mom wanted me to be a lawyer – my mom thought I was way too clumsy to be a doctor – so I applied to law school and got in.”
What do you enjoy the most about working at LESA so far?
The people are so nice, and the work is really interesting. I am reading about a lot of things that I wouldn’t get a chance to learn about otherwise, which is pretty neat. Right now, I’m working on updates to LESA’s Wills Fundamentals series.”
Has your experience here pulled you in a specific direction in terms of a future area of practice?
I was originally drawn to corporate law, but having read some of LESA’s Business Law Fundamentals series, I’ve discovered that I have a lot to learn in that area. Realizing what you don’t know can be a bit intimidating, and I’m keeping an open mind.”
Do you have anything exciting planned for the summer?
I might go out to my cabin for a week, if time permits. I love to water-ski and head out there to just relax.”
With an undergraduate degree in business from the University of Calgary under his belt, Colin is an ambitious third-year law student at the University of Alberta. During our interview, we asked Colin a bit about himself and his experience at LESA so far. Here’s what he had to say.
How did you become interested in law?
It was more of an economic decision really. I went to business for my undergrad and when I came out, we were in a recession. Oil was down to $30 per barrel, and I thought, I have the marks. I should go into law. It’s broad and opens up many doors – a practical decision.”
What do you enjoy the most about working at LESA so far?
Definitely the people. Everyone I’ve met here has been willing to help and has been really friendly. Everyone’s doors are basically always open.”
What projects do you have on the go right now, and have they influenced your preference for a future area of practice?
Right now I’m working on LESA’s Criminal Law Fundamentals series. I’m reviewing, editing, and making sure legislation is up to date. I chose the Criminal Law Fundamentals series because I was interested in criminal law, so I’d say it pulls me more in that direction in terms of a potential future area of practice.”
Will you be crossing anything off your bucket list this summer?
I went to the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert recently. Other than that, I don’t have any plans. I’m doing a semester abroad in France, so I’m trying to save up for that right now. I’m still in the planning process.”
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