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In this series, students share a firsthand account of their meaningful work in private and public agencies, non-profit organizations and government offices.

Each morning, the lobby of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation resonates with the energy of people dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals around the world. The belief that every life has equal value guides all work at the Foundation across thirty-plus strategies, including the eradication of polio, combating infectious disease and improving maternal and child health. Legal professionals embedded throughout the Foundation enable program officers to deploy these strategies. As an intern, I engaged in projects spanning the Foundation’s complex legal landscape including tax, intellectual property, global business and employment law.

The unique environment at the Foundation posed exciting opportunities and my work allowed me to contribute in meaningful and lasting ways. I developed training materials to guide compliance with lobbying restrictions at the U.S. federal, state and local level. I aided in drafting operational guidelines and agreements for the formation of an investment fund alongside a multilateral development finance institution. I also analyzed and distilled trends from terms of agreements over the past decade to inform a cross-foundation restructuring of intellectual property acquisition strategy.

This internship has plunged me into areas of the law well beyond first year coursework. It has instilled confidence in me that my preparation at ºìÌÒÊÓƵ enables me to adapt and excel in new and diverse legal arenas. I have also gained a newfound appreciation for the ubiquitous nature of tax law, and I have been inspired to learn more about this subject.

Throughout my internship, I was given clear guidance and direction on each project, detailed feedback on my work and encouragement to pursue new challenges. The Foundation draws legal professionals from the top of their fields who have rich and diverse backgrounds including practicing at prominent firms and working as in-house counsel at top companies. They are deeply devoted to advancing the charitable goals of their work, creating a supportive atmosphere, sharing their knowledge and imparting advice. The opportunity to learn from each of them has enriched the way I approach legal analysis, enhanced my skillset and broadened my perspective on career paths.

Though my internship was finite, my partnership with the Foundation will endure. As an alumni and ambassador, I am empowered to share and advance the Foundation’s mission throughout my legal career.