The LEO Corner - Camille Taylor

You took some time before law school and were a Corps Member of Teach For America. Can you tell us a little bit about that experience?

It's a funny story. I knew I wanted to do some service before law school, so I explored different programs during my undergrad. At first, I decided on the Peace Corps, but I was hesitant to move out of the country for such a long time. Around that same time, my best friend told me that she was applying to Teach For America and that I should apply too. So, I did during my junior year and was accepted. After graduation, we both started summer institute for TFA. This was during the summer of 2020 peak COVID-19, and it was super stressful because there was a hiring freeze placed by the Department of Education in NYC. They told the cohort they couldn't ensure that we'd have a job by September, so they suggested we apply to other cities that are in higher need.  I got accepted to the Baltimore Corps first, but I felt it wasn't a good fit for me. I then applied to the Philadelphia Corps and got accepted and honestly, it was the best decision. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and this experience was just that. It was an incredibly transformative experience for me. 

During my time as a Corps Member, I was a Special Education teacher for a charter school in West Philadelphia. Many of my students faced significant challenges both inside and outside the classroom. It was a demanding role that required not only teaching academic subjects but also serving as a mentor, advocate, and sometimes even a surrogate parent for my students. I gained a deep understanding of the systemic issues that affect educational equity in our society, and I was inspired by the resilience and potential of my students. It was a humbling and eye-opening experience that reinforced my commitment to working towards a more just and equitable society, which ultimately influenced my decision to pursue a career in law. Overall, my time with Teach For America was challenging yet immensely rewarding, and it continues to shape my perspective and approach to advocacy and social justice.

What led you to apply to law school after your time with TFA?

I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer however, I think I was just scared to go through with it. It was a lot of self-doubts and being a first-generation student, I knew the struggles of being the first to do everything and navigating these spaces by myself. I thought if I enjoyed teaching, I could stay there and be "safe". While my experience with TFA was incredibly fulfilling and reaffirmed my passion for serving communities in need, it also made me realize that my potential impact might be somewhat limited within the confines of the classroom.

I saw the law as a powerful tool for effecting change on a broader scale, tackling systemic injustices, and advocating for those who are marginalized or underserved. 

Ultimately, it was the combination of my lifelong passion for law and my experiences with Teach For America that led me to apply to law school. I saw it as the next logical step in my journey toward making a meaningful and lasting impact on the issues I care deeply about. I knew that by obtaining a legal education, I would gain the knowledge, skills, and platform necessary to advocate for justice and equality in a broader context.

What have you enjoyed most about your law school experience thus far?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my law school experience thus far has been the opportunity to immerse myself in the study of the law. I have always had a genuine love for learning, and delving into the intricacies of legal principles and how they apply to real-world situations has been incredibly fascinating to me. Especially the black letter law which I can use in so many contexts.

Additionally, what has truly enriched my law school experience is the meaningful connections I've made within the legal community. Whether it's through networking events, classroom interactions, or extracurricular activities, I have had the privilege of connecting with fellow students, professors, and legal professionals who have become a great support system for me. These connections have not only enhanced my understanding of the law but have also provided invaluable support, mentorship, and friendship along the way.

Can you talk a little bit about your 1L summer and the two positions you held? Specifically, how did you find those opportunities?

My 1L I was a summer associate at Potter Anderson, a corporate law firm in Delaware. For their summer program, they usually hire one 1L and they split their time between 8 weeks at the firm and 2 weeks in-house with a partner. I was placed at Nemours Children’s Health. I knew I needed a paid job for the summer, so I spent my entire Winter break applying to everything I was interested in all across the country.  I also spoke to Taylor Perez about my interest in working in the Mid-Atlantic post-graduation and she told me to apply to the Delaware/Philadelphia Diversity Job Fair. I applied and was offered an interview.  I received my interviewers' names and looked them up to prep questions and discovered one of them worked at Seton Hall (again network is so important)! I spoke to Professor Foy who gave me great questions to ask during my interview to make an impression. I think the connection and my preparation for the interview moved me to the next round. After that interview, I interviewed with Potter and got the offer in March!

 

You will be at Potter Anderson again this summer, do you know what you’ll be doing, and if it will be any different from your time there last year?

I had to submit my rank of my practice groups in order of interest so hopefully, I will get experience doing transactional work. Last year I did primarily litigation and some bankruptcy assignments. I did not get to "choose" my assignments because we had four summer coordinators (who were associates) and they assigned the work to us from the assignment bank. You can always ask for specific work you'd like to receive, and you would get it that way. Or partners/associates can assign things specifically for you if you ask them (again networking was important). Additionally, this summer as a 2L I will be there for the full 10 weeks so I will have more time to do more assignments.

 

What advice do you have for your fellow LEO Students regarding their job searches?

Networking is key in the legal profession. Building relationships with professionals in the field can open doors to opportunities that may not be advertised publicly. Attend networking events, reach out to alumni, join professional organizations, and utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with lawyers and other legal professionals. These connections can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and potentially even job leads.

A thorough interview preparation is essential for showcasing your skills and qualifications, demonstrating your interest and enthusiasm for the role, building confidence, addressing potential weaknesses, and assessing cultural fit. By investing time and effort into preparation, you can significantly increase your chances of success in the job search process. Professor Perez-Vellios lent me a great book that explained how to be strategic which encompasses all these skills above, and it really made a difference in interviews. 

The job search process in the legal field can be competitive and sometimes discouraging, but persistence pays off. Keep refining your resume and cover letter, tailor them to each application, and don't be afraid to follow up with employers after submitting your materials or attending interviews.  Stay resilient, keep networking, and remain open to unexpected opportunities that may arise. 

 

What do you hope to do when you graduate?

I hope to pass the bar, take a trip, start my legal career, and live a happy healthy fulfilling life!