Galin Dishoyan, a 2L law student at Seton Hall University School of Law, shares her diverse legal journey, from interning at Microsoft to representing Armenia at the UN. With a background in communications and fluency in multiple languages, Galin discusses her passion for law, technology, and international diplomacy.
Can you describe your experience as a Legal Counsel Intern at Microsoft Corporation and the kind of projects you worked on there?
Interning at Microsoft was an incredible experience that provided a unique perspective on how a global tech leader navigates legal challenges in a rapidly evolving industry. I collaborated with attorneys to advise on data use and privacy, artificial intelligence, intellectual property, and antitrust compliance and strategy. I also had the opportunity to work with Microsoft’s Responsible AI team and conduct industry-specific research. Additionally, I worked on projects involving editing and updating Microsoft business agreements to reflect current business needs and legal standards.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work at Microsoft, where I contributed to meaningful projects and collaborated with a team that values innovation, growth, and continuous learning. The lessons I learned and the relationships I built during my internship will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on my career.
How did your role as a Foreign Policy Intern for the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations shape your understanding of international relations and diplomacy?
My role as a Foreign Policy Intern for the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations significantly deepened my understanding of international relations and diplomacy. Being directly involved in the day-to-day operations of a UN mission allowed me to observe and participate in the complex processes of negotiation, consensus-building, and multilateral diplomacy. I gained firsthand experience in how countries navigate global issues, manage their interests, and collaborate with other nations. This experience also taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity, strategic communication, and the ability to find common ground in achieving diplomatic goals.
What motivated you to pursue a Juris Doctor at Seton Hall University School of Law, and how has your background in communications influenced your approach to law?
My background in communications has helped me develop strong interpersonal skills that are crucial for building relationships in the legal community. In college, I had the opportunity to participate in a leadership program organized by Harvard Business School. During that program, I learned about the intersection of law, finance, and technology, which drew me to law school and sparked my interest in technology.
Seton Hall’s law and technology program aligns perfectly with my career goals. I believe Seton Hall will provide me with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving intersection of law and technology.
Can you elaborate on your responsibilities and achievements as a Public Affairs Intern at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia?
As a Public Affairs Intern, I supervised social media content development and execution, produced weekly media reports and statistics, and assisted in securing funding and managing budgets for public diplomacy programs. My projects resulted in improved strategic communication and ensured the efficient allocation of resources.
How do you balance your legal career with your passion for playing the flute, and how has being a professional flutist influenced your work ethic?
Balancing a legal career and having a hobby requires effective time management. Being a professional flutist has influenced my work ethic by instilling discipline, focus, and a commitment to excellence—traits that are valuable in a legal career.
What insights did you gain from leading the campaign for Armenia’s election to the Human Rights Council during your internship at the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN?
Leading Armenia’s campaign provided insights into the strategic aspects of international advocacy and coalition-building. I learned the importance of effective communication in achieving diplomatic goals and facilitating productive discussions. The campaign reinforced my commitment to advocating for human rights and provided a solid foundation for future endeavors in diplomacy.
As Vice President of the Corporate Law Society and Secretary of the Cybersecurity and Privacy Society, what initiatives or projects are you most excited about?
My goal is to increase access and transparency in the legal profession. I am looking forward to fostering professional development and networking opportunities for our members. I am most excited about organizing a speaker series that addresses emerging issues in the relevant fields. I hope to create a culture of continuous learning and provide valuable insights for our members to advance their careers.
Can you share your experiences and learnings from participating in the Harvard Business School Emerging Leaders Program and the Armenian General Benevolent Movement Global Leadership Program?
Participating in the Harvard Business School Emerging Leaders Program and the Armenian General Benevolent Movement Global Leadership Program were both transformative experiences that significantly enhanced my leadership capabilities and personal growth.
I gained invaluable skills in public speaking and effective communication. I also learned the importance of maintaining an open mindset and embracing diverse perspectives. Networking was a central component of both programs, and I built connections with professionals from various fields to broaden my horizons and create new opportunities. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my professional approach and improving my leadership skills to collaborate effectively in diverse settings.
What were some of the key challenges you faced while working as a Senior Litigation Paralegal at McAndrew Vuotto LLC, and how did you overcome them?
One of the key challenges I encountered at McAndrew Vuotto LLC was prioritizing tasks amidst a high volume of complex cases. Balancing multiple deadlines and competing priorities initially proved challenging. The fast-paced environment required meticulous attention to detail and the ability to juggle various responsibilities simultaneously.
To overcome these challenges, I focused on developing strong time management skills. I learned to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, which helped me allocate my time more efficiently. I also established milestones for each task, which helped me maintain a clear overview of my workload and ensured that I met all deadlines while maintaining high-quality work.
How do your multilingual skills (Armenian, Arabic, and French) contribute to your professional and personal development, especially in the field of law?
My multilingual skills allow me to communicate effectively with a diverse range of clients and colleagues, which is invaluable in the legal profession. They also help me navigate multicultural environments and understand different perspectives.
