Law degrees delivered by the School of Law, University of Limerick, are famed for their impressive 8-month organised Co-Operative Education experience in leading law firms around Ireland. What receives less attention, however, are the international work placements also undertaken by our students.
Katie McKay, a 3rd year Law Plus student split her 8 month Co-Operative Education experience, spending 3 months the USA (with Rubin and Rudman LLP) before spending anther 4 months in Ireland with Ireland’s largest law firm, A+L Goodbody. Read about Katie’s experience in the US below:
“I spent three months of my Co-Op placement in U.S corporate law firm Rubin and Rudman LLP based in Boston, Massachusetts. I sourced this placement through networking at a business social in March 2017. After organising a J1-intern visa I secured the position as a legal intern at the firm from June to August 2017.
I worked under the Chairman of the Real Estate Department (also Partner of the firm) assisting with commercial property transactions. My main responsibilities included preparing, drafting and reviewing the legal documentation required for these transactions as well as general administrative tasks. I also spent a short period of time on secondment with a major client of the firm assisting with filing and correspondence. The work I was involved in on this placement allowed me to develop a very in-depth knowledge of corporate real estate and property law in the U.S.
I found the placement to be extremely rewarding in both a professional and personal capacity. The firm held many social events in the summer for clientele and attorneys from many backgrounds. Attending these events provided me with an opportunity to network with highly successful individuals. I was also fortunate to travel to places such as New York, Chicago and Miami during my time in the States.
I thoroughly enjoyed my Co-Op Placement in Boston and would recommend placement abroad to anyone with a passion for travel or the desire for something ‘different’. My advice to students wishing to organise a similar placement is to not underestimate the benefits of networking and acknowledge the importance of independence.”
