Evan Bracewell ’26 is from Runnells, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University in 2023. This summer, he worked at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota. He says, “I was interested in this position because it allows me to assist with incredibly important work while getting to experience life working for the federal government.”
How did you find this summer opportunity?
I found this opportunity through Symplicity.
How does your experience connect with what you currently envision doing with your law degree?
My experience is fascinating because I get to work on both criminal and civil cases. I have broad interests right now, so it is a perfect experience to see different opportunities I could use my law degree for.
Please describe a “typical” workday on the job.
We have a job request board where attorneys can post requests for projects. Typically, my work involves conducting research for issues attorneys have or helping to edit briefs and motions. In some cases, I even assist in drafting the language attorneys will use in their briefs and other court documents.
What is something you learned or experienced that was surprising or particularly compelling during this summer position?
I did not know what to expect from the civil division of the US Attorney’s Office so learning about the types of lawsuits and claims that are common for the US Government is interesting to me.
What are some key takeaways from the experience so far?
How glad I am I paid attention in Legal Research and Writing! All the skills taught in that class have instantly applied to my job.
How has your summer experience compared with your expectations?
My summer experience has been great. All the attorneys are friendly, welcoming, and want to provide us with work that will not only benefit the office, but also work we can learn from. I have been pleasantly surprised by how focused the attorneys are on making sure this is an experience that improves our legal writing, research, and analysis skills.
What advice would you offer another law student thinking about working in a similar position next summer?
Take advantage of as many opportunities as you can. Even tasks that might not seem like the most riveting thing when you first read it. In a project board system, it could be easy to let some work fall to your coworkers’ hands. Some of my favorite projects have been involving issues I would have never expected to enjoy.
How are you spending your free time this summer?
I am training for a marathon, enjoying the weather, and exploring new restaurants in the Twin Cities area.
What are you most looking forward to in returning to Minnesota Law this fall?
Reconnecting with all of my classmates and hearing about their experiences and the exciting things they did this summer.