For my final co-op before graduating from Antioch College, I am working at McManus PLLC Attorneys and Counselors at Law. I chose this co-op for a multitude of reasons ranging from its location in Ann Arbor, Michigan giving me an opportunity to live with my family before graduation to the fact that this firm dabbles in almost every form of law, ranging from class-action suits to business law. I hope that by working in an office with such a varied caseload I will be able to better understand the work and effort it takes to practice law, which will be of great use to me because this is the field I plan on going into once I graduate from Antioch.
Thus far this has been a great learning experience, though it is frustrating at times. I work at their office from 8 a.m. until 2 or 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and I work from home on Fridays. Most of my time is spent doing research for class-action suits and, though it is challenging, I have learned a lot about the discovery aspect of law, starting with just simplistic research through Google and ending on WestLaw comparing previous cases that may have similarities and help us determine whether we have a solid case. This research can take anywhere from a few days to weeks depending on how much information is provided to the public and how much of it we have to request.
Overall, I am enjoying my time at McManus PLLC Attorneys and Counselors at Law. This co-op experience has given me a lot to consider but has definitely confirmed that I do want to go into law once I graduate. Furthermore, it has also reassured me that, though all law is interesting, environmental law is definitely the path I want to take.
Photo credit: https://www.themcmanusfirm.com
