Graduate Fellow
Law Career Development
It’s almost that time of year again; summer. As undergrads we jumped for joy when summer was fast approaching, but law students know that summers in law school is a different story. Instead of making plans with friends or planning a vacation, law students can be filled with dread if they don’t have an internship/externship lined up for the summer.
This blog post focuses on additional options for 1L students, STEP versus HLP. Both are excellent programs for first-year law students. However, there are questions regarding the difference in the programs and which program would be a better fit. Although many students interested in either program attended the STEP/HLP Information Event, this blog post dives into the heart of each program. Since I was in STEP, I have first-hand knowledge of what STEP’s rigorous program entails. I am also currently HLP’s Graduate Fellow, so I have a solid understanding of HLP and what it consists of.
Summer Trial & Evidence Program (1st STEP)
STEP is like a litigation boot camp over the period of 8 weeks (7-week summer session plus 1 intensive immersion week). This includes taking a course in evidence, which is specifically tethered to trial advocacy and theater training. STEP is a great program not only for students who know that they want to be a trial attorney, but also for students who want a taste of litigation.
I was in the latter category. I had a basic understanding of what litigation was but didn’t know to what it encompassed. One thing that I did know was that litigation meant public speaking. Since I wasn’t a big public speaker, STEP allowed me to experiment, make mistakes, learn, and grow. STEP also helped me with my first internship at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office (SFDA). At the SFDA’s Office, I was placed in the preliminary hearing department, which seriously put my litigation skills to the test.
Immersion week is intense. It consists of GGU students who are currently enrolled in STEP as well as students from other schools. During immersion week, you basically get a preview of everything you’re going to learn over the following 7 weeks (voir dire, motions in limine, opening statement, direct examination, cross examination, and closing argument). Each day is packed with activities, typically starting from 9 am to 5 pm. The activities consist of group exercises, demonstrations, and one-on-one meetings with professors.
You’re going to get constructive criticism, so take it with an open mind. The professors are there to help you learn even if their criticism appear harsh. I still remember my first constructive criticism in STEP. I felt like I was on American Idol being ripped apart by Simon Cowell in front of all my peers. Although I was embarrassed, the feedback got me fired up. I came back, ready to prove myself , and I did. I received the positive feedback that I wanted to hear.
The purpose of taking evidence with trial advocacy is to apply what you learned in evidence to your daily exercises. The rules of evidence are important when it comes to objections, which is a useful tool in oral advocacy. In addition to oral advocacy, you’re going to learn how to write motions. Eighty percent of litigation consists of research and writing so now is the time to learn how to do it effectively.
Lastly, have fun with STEP. Like everything else, you’re going to get burnt out quickly if you’re stressed and not having any fun. Litigation consists of strategic thinking, so think of it as a game. Experiment, make mistakes, and just have fun.
Honors Lawyering Program (HLP)
HLP integrates practical learning with substantive, client-focused work. This summer, rising 2Ls are taking Advanced Legal Research, Evidence, Constitutional Law I, and HLP Client Representation. While non-HLP students are capped at a total of 8 units, HLP students are taking a total of 11 units. As such, HLP students are in an accelerated program, which frees up their fall semester for a full-time apprenticeship. This full-time availability makes HLP students desirable employers seeking law clerks.
During the summer, HLP students are getting core classes out of the way in a small group setting. At the same time, they’re getting practical experience with the substantive material. During their 1L summer, HLP students get the experience of real world legal practice and learn the importance of professionalism when they represent clients in a landlord/tenant dispute under the supervision of a practicing attorney.
This practical experience makes HLP students marketable to employers during their 2L fall semester. While other 1Ls are applying to internships/externships without any legal experience, HLP students are applying to their fall apprenticeships with experience under their belt. It’s also less competitive seeking fall semester work because you’re not competing against all the other rising 2Ls from other law schools.
When HLP students take their summer courses, there’s no curve to worry about. There’s less pressure and/or stress since there’s no competition between you and your fellow colleagues, which allows you to enjoy your law school experience.
