3L Job Okeri was born and raised in Kenya. He moved to Minnesota at 17 years old and attended Normandale community college for 2 years before transferring to the University of Minnesota where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies with a minor in Business Law. This summer, he worked for the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary for Senator Amy Klobuchar. He gained indispensable skills while working at the intersection between law and policy. Job served as the vice president of Law Council last year and has been elected president of Law Council this year. He is looking forward to learning more about the intersection between law and policy in his education law and policy class in the fall semester.

How did you connect with or find this summer opportunity?

I initially learned about the opportunity from a posting on Simplicity. I learned a lot more about the position by connecting with a student who had worked in the office previously.

How does your experience connect with what you currently envision doing with your law degree?

I came to law school so that I could have a seat at the table where important policy decisions are made. The skill set I gained from this summer experience will ensure that I have something to bring to that table. Additionally, the connections I made can always vouch for me and speak to the value I bring to the table.

Please describe a “typical” workday on the job.

Everyday that the Senate is in session is a fast-paced day. The day starts at around 9:30 am and ends at 6:00 pm. Assignments are assigned as they arise and most of them have a quick turnaround, usually within the same day. Typically, the assignment is a legal or policy research question relating to legislation. Oftentimes the law clerks will be asked to draft recommendations on whether the Senator should cosponsor a piece of legislation or join a letter. It is also common to be asked to draft letters to administrative agencies and other offices of the executive branch. As law clerks we are also expected to attend briefings, hearings and markups and keep a record of everything that transpires for the Senator and her Staff.

What is something you learned or experienced that was surprising or particularly compelling during this summer position?

Congressional staffers can make or break a piece of legislation.

What are a couple of your key takeaways from the experience so far? 

It has been said so many times, but it is probably because it is crucial—make connections. Your network  can make your job significantly easier.

How has your summer experience compared with your expectations?

 It has been a lot more fun than I expected. Although it is a very formal setting, there have been plenty of opportunities to step away and have a good time.

What advice would you offer another law student thinking about working in a similar position next summer?

First, apply. Second, do your homework before the interview. You are often competing with hundreds of students and you need to stand out. 

How are you spending your free time this summer?

I am going to all the free museums and taking the train to as many East Coast cities as I can.

What are you most looking forward to in returning to Minnesota Law this fall?

The Fighting Mondales’ hockey games.