Rising 3L Jesse Noltimier is spending the summer in New York City as a summer associate at Cravath, Swaine & Moore. She has found the working in the firm’s litigation department interesting and challenging and has loved living and working in the Big Apple.

How did you connect with this summer opportunity?

I applied to the firm during the summer after my 1L year, with the help of my career counselor, Wendy Griak. I then had an initial interview with a partner followed by a full day of callback interviews with other lawyers from the firm. After my interviews, I knew immediately that this was the place where I wanted to work, if given the opportunity. Everyone I met was genuinely excited about their work and interested in developing new associates. 

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

I want to be a litigator, so my experience in the litigation department was a great window into what that that work is actually like in practice. I helped prepare a brief, drafted part of a document request, and attended closing arguments in a trial.  

Please describe a “typical” workday on the job.

The great thing about working for the firm is that there is no “typical” workday. The work is incredibly dynamic and requires a lot of flexibility. My day often began with a few team meetings, working on an assignment or two, grabbing lunch, and then working some more. I usually tried to break up the day by going for a walk/run in the park around 7:00 p.m., then finishing up any work I had remaining in the evening. 

What is something interesting you learned or experienced during this summer position?

I worked on several antitrust matters this summer, so I was surprised to learn about all the changes occurring at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under the current administration. The agency has been openly rethinking 40-plus years of antitrust law, which makes the work right now really exciting and challenging. 

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

Always do your best work; be open to new experiences; and take ownership of your work, even if you are the most junior person on the team.  

How has your summer experience compared with your expectations?

I didn’t know what to expect entering the summer, but my experience has been wonderful. I’ve been lucky enough to work with people who are truly exceptional at what they do, but also interested in sharing their knowledge and expertise with others. I’ve also appreciated the variety of work and level of responsibility I’ve been given. And, of course, I will miss “snack time” every day at 3 p.m. 

How do you like living and working in New York City? 

I love living and working in New York. The city attracts interesting people from all around the world, so I’ve enjoyed getting to know my colleagues and neighbors.      

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

 Apply, and apply early!   

How are you spending your free time this summer?

I have been spending a lot of time in the Upper West Side, wondering around the neighborhood. My favorite place to visit is Riverside Park—it’s the more unknown and relaxing counterpart to Central Park. Besides the park, I usually go to the bodega and the coffee shop at least once a day.

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

I am excited to be back in the classroom and in full learning mode again.  This summer really piqued my interest in antitrust law, so I’m hoping to take that class. I’m also looking forward to seeing classmates again and enjoying the final year of law school.