Andrew Grech has recently embarked on a 2-month legal internship with CTM Legal Group, David Zahra & Associates Advocates’ partner firm within the Alliance of Business Lawyers (ABL), in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Three weeks into his internship, Andrew provides us with a recap of his time in Chicago so far, which he describes as exceptional and enriching.
Professional Growth: Adapting to a New Legal Landscape
At CTM Legal Group, whose main office is based in downtown Chicago, also referred to as the ‘Loop’, a name which stems from the elevated railway that forms a loop around the city centre, I am a Legal Intern and am gaining exposure to the firm’s various practice areas. My first weeks have consisted of assisting and shadowing other Attorneys in matters ranging from civil litigation to labour & employment law.
A particularly interesting experience has been the opportunity to attend a wrongful termination hearing before the Illinois Civil Service Commission; the Commission tasked with hearing and determining employee appeals of, among others, discharges and suspensions relating to all employees of the State of Illinois. Besides being able to witness the hearing first hand and better understand American courtroom dynamics, such as the examination and cross-examination of witnesses, I was also given the opportunity to assist the Partner in question to prepare for the hearing.
Being a rotation-based internship, I am eager to continue obtaining practical, hands-on experience in additional practice areas during my remaining weeks at CTM Legal Group.
The Social Side: Experiencing Life in Chicago
Outside of work, living in Chicago has been an adventure in itself. Being my first time in the US, I was excited to experience American, and particularly Chicagoan, culture. While I am based in Lincoln Park, I have already explored much of the city, having toured downtown, taken an impressive architectural boat tour on the Chicago River, watched a football match at Soldier Field Stadium, attended a comedy show at the iconic Chicago Theatre, and swum in Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach. I also look forward to further exploring Chicago’s renowned food scene (the famous deep-dish pizza was definitely a main highlight!).
This week is also a particularly interesting and historic week in Chicago, being the host city for the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), taking place between 19-22 August. The DNC will see delegates of the Democratic Party from across the US convene to vote to formally recognise current Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President in the 2024 presidential election in November. Current US President Joe Biden is also in Chicago to address the DNC, together with other political heavyweights such as former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
