Full Circle
In the summer of 2013, I found myself on a plane to Savannah, Georgia. My destination? The Public Defender's Office, where I was about to embark on an internship that would shape my future in ways I couldn't begin to imagine.
2013
Intern at the Public Defender’s Office in Savannah, Georgia.
As a third-year law undergraduate at Sheffield Hallam University, I was fortunate enough to be selected by Anna Rudkin to participate in the International Law in Practice program to work alongside two remarkable legal professionals: Michael Edwards, who was then the Chief Public Defender, and Chris Middleton, who has since ascended to the position of Superior Court Judge. Their mentorship and the practical experience I gained were invaluable, providing a foundation for my career that I still build upon today.
Anna Rudkin, Sheffield Hallam's Associate Head, was in 2013, and still is in 2024, the driving force behind the university's innovative International Law in Practice program. Anna's commitment to providing students with real-world, international legal experience sets Sheffield Hallam apart from other UK universities.
2013, iPhone image quality
I vividly remember a moment with Anna during that internship that has stayed with me throughout my career. We were returning from watching July 4th fireworks on a yacht off the coast of North Carolina (a surreal experience for a student from Sheffield). Emboldened by my youthful ambition, I kept pestering Anna about my chances of working in the US someday. With the patience of a saint and the wisdom of a mentor, she patted my leg reassuringly and said, "Emily... I am sure you will be fine." Those simple words, delivered with such conviction, became a touchstone for me in the years that followed.
“Emily... I am sure you will be fine.”
Fast forward to 2024, and that statement proved more true when Anna reached out to ask if I would host an intern at Codal, the software consultancy where I now work in Chicago as General Counsel. I felt like I had been waiting eleven years to be ready for the opportunity to pay forward the invaluable experience I gained during my internship, and was eager to participate.
In July 2024, Anna Rudkin selected Michael Birks, this year's Sheffield Hallam representative to join our technology world. Unlike the traditional law firm placements that many of his peers experienced, Michael’s summer at Codal was a deep dive into the fast-paced, ever-evolving intersection of law and technology.
Joseph Thorp, Senior Corporate Counsel in our Codal UK office, fellow Sheffield Hallam alum, though did not participate in the internship program, shares fond memories of Anna Rudkin’s teaching, and also acted as supervisor to Michael through the internship. Joseph was enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with a fellow Hallam student, and his camaraderie added an extra layer to the experience.
“When not swapping notes on which of Sheffield’s bars were the most fun or which lecturers were still giving seminars, it was a joy to answer Michael’s questions and let him explore the day-to-day of an In-House lawyer.”
Throughout the six-week internship, Michael was involved in a wide range of activities that gave him a comprehensive view of in-house legal work in a tech company. He conducted research on contentious matters, identifying critical statements in deposition transcripts, and helped shape our approach to several ongoing cases. Contract review became a daily part of his routine, allowing him to see firsthand how legal theory translates into practical business decisions.
One of the unique aspects of Michael's internship was his participation in our bi-weekly leadership oversight meetings. These sessions gave him insight into the daily workings of software consulting, from project management to client relations and everything in between. And while he may have had to ask, more than a few times, what language we were speaking with our constant use of acronyms (See, e.g. MVP, CR, QA, GTM, MSA, WO, HIPAA, PHI, PII, PMO…) I hope to think he may have enjoyed the opportunity to see behind the curtain of international software consultancy management.
My highlight of Michael's time with us was a mock settlement negotiation we conducted. And, while Michael bizarrely turned down the offer of having our Chief Operating Officer act as judge, we all still found the exercise beneficial in simulating a high-pressure situation. While there may still be room for improvement on his “stern lawyer face”, Michael’s skeleton preparation and performance were great, and we all had a good laugh.
Sheffield Hallam's commitment to placing students in practical, international settings is commendable. The university's efforts to secure Turing Grant funding for participants further demonstrates their dedication to providing global opportunities for their students. The Turing Scheme, a UK government initiative, supports international education and training experiences, aligning perfectly with the goals of this internship program.
As a boundlessly innovating software consultancy, Codal offered Michael a unique perspective on legal practice. Our work in product strategy, platform engineering, AI, machine learning, and eCommerce platforms provided a fresh take on how law intersects with technology in today's digital age. It's a far cry from the traditional law firm experience, but one that's increasingly relevant as technology continues to reshape the legal landscape.
Boundless Innovation…
Reflecting on this experience, I'm struck by how much has changed since I was in Michael's shoes, and yet how much remains the same. The legal profession is evolving rapidly, particularly in its intersection with technology, but the fundamental skills of critical thinking, clear communication, and ethical decision-making remain as crucial as ever.
To Anna Rudkin and Sheffield Hallam University: thank you for your unwavering commitment to shaping the future of legal education. Your impact reaches farther than you might imagine, creating ripples that continue long after your students have graduated. The trust you place in alumni like myself to mentor the next generation is a responsibility we don't take lightly.
And to future interns, wherever your Sheffield Hallam experience might take you: embrace every opportunity, ask questions, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The legal world is vast and varied, and programs like this one give you a chance to explore its furthest corners. Just remember, when in doubt, channel your inner Anna Rudkin - you'll be fine.
