Each year in law school, you look for a job.  It’s stressful and the equivalent of a full time job search, even for unpaid summer positions.  My first year, I end up in a small family firm specializing in whistleblower law (two brothers and change).  It was actually more interesting than it sounds.

The firm is located in the Georgetown area of DC.  There is a school of thought that there is a racial reason why there is no Georgetown Metro stop.  I will give supporting testimony.  To get to work, I drive fo Rockville Metro Station, ride to the Foggy Bottom stop, take a shuttle to the vicinity of Georgetown, and still walk a mile to work.  It takes me an hour and a half one way each day.  And did I mention I was unpaid?

Law can be very boring and this was no exception.  I fell asleep at a lecture on the False Claims Act (still have no idea what it is).  But the clients were notable.  One was Linda Tripp of Monica Lewinsky-Bill Clinton fame.  Another was a former FBI forensic scientist, supported by Senator Chuck Grassley.  One who I met personally was a former FBI translator whose story ended up on 60 Minutes later in the year.  She made the best lemonade.

Despite the long commutes, sweltering DC heat waves, the broken air conditioner, spoiled undergrad interns, and a partner’s mother calling my goatee silly, I have fond memories.  I learn which Metro cars are the most comfortable to sleep on (brown plastic bars).  Drawing from the spirit of Indiana, I shoot the lights out.  Had a chance to steal a girl but respectfully decline.  I discover the writings of Thomas Merton.  And the girl I lit the candles for was coincidentally in the same location.