Rising 2L Elizabeth Bovell spent the summer in Santa Monica, California as a legal intern for STARZ, a global media and entertainment company that produces and distributes streaming content to worldwide audiences. She recently shared her thoughts on the experience with Minnesota Law.

How did you connect with this summer opportunity?

People’s first heroes tend to be in movies and television shows. When you go home for the holidays, everyone talks TV. The entertainment industry has such a huge impact on culture that I targeted an in-house experience at a corporation that would allow me to get a better understanding of the role that the law plays in entertainment and the media. After what seems like an endless amount of Google searches, I came across STARZ, and the rest was history! 

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

There is so much power in representation and film and TV. My work was to help STARZ distribute its content internationally. To be able to tell stories from different perspectives all over the world surely feels like a way for me to bring my passion to help underserved communities and the stories that they have to tell to life. This is especially true because STARZ is a network that is inclusive of content produced by minorities. 

Please describe a “typical” workday on the job.

My days at STARZ always held something different! A morning could consist of a phone call negotiating a deal or revising some of the terms in an existing one with one of STARZ’s partners. Most of my work had to with drafting and revising agreements. It was a lot of issue spotting, which allowed me to analyze, assess, and solve issues—the very skills we have been learning in law school! 

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

STARZ set up several conversations between the interns and the company’s president, vice presidents, and executive vice presidents. A number of these people started out in law school and pursued something outside of the usual practice of law. This opened my eyes to how truly flexible a J.D. could be and that the opportunities are truly endless! 

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

Ask questions—even if you think they are silly! Always say what is on your mind, and never walk away without fully understanding what is being asked of you and what you are looking for. 

How has your summer experience compared with your expectations?  

I truly had no idea what to expect! Working in entertainment and media has created a connection between me and my work in a way I never dreamed of. Additionally, having an in-house perspective has been so helpful in familiarizing myself with the importance of client relationships firsthand. 

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

Follow your heart! Entertainment and media are tough areas to break into. I applied to law firms, corporations, and everything in between. It may not be the normal way but if you stay dedicated it will happen.  

How are you spending your free time this summer?

Due to STARZ’s headquarters being in Santa Monica, I had the opportunity to relocate to California this summer. I spent my free time exploring LA and trying out all the vegan cuisine I can find!  

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

While everything I have learned in law school has been incredibly eye opening, taking contracts really cemented my interest in transactional law. I am really looking forward to taking classes that relate to that practice and opening my eyes to my ideal future practice area.