�ǿմ�ý

After completing multiple different internships and externships during his time at �ǿմ�ý School of Law, 3L Sam Halpert Rodis is looking ahead to his post-graduate life as a Judge Advocate with the U.S. Army.

“The most rewarding work I have done has been in connection with special victims cases (judicial and administrative),” Halpert Rodis says. “I also enjoy working on anything that involves federal regulation and compliance.” 

During his time in law school, Halpert Rodis was involved in the Muslim Law Student Association and served as the treasurer of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society. He particularly credits his LLEAP 3 professor, Matthew Salerno, for improving his legal writing confidence. Halpert Rodis also highlights Keith Dye, Senior Director of Career Development and Student Services Student Services, for his resources and career advice. 

The Career Development Office (CDO) played an important role in Halpert Rodis’ law school career, helping connect him with the five internships he completed over the past few years. These internships included working with the prosecutor for the Residual Special Court of Sierra Leone and serving as a Paralegal with the U.S. Army JAG Corps in Ft. Knox. In addition, Halpert Rodis clerked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard’s Ninth District Legal Office. 

At these internships, Halpert Rodis completed a variety of responsibilities, including conducting legal reviews for administrative action, researching intra-agency and third-party legal authorities, estate work and criminal justice work. 

“My 2L Army internship is what led directly to my post-graduate job offer, and I have the CDO to thank for the connection,” Halpert Rodis remarks. 

From hosting and coordinating his interviews to making introductions at events, the CDO helped connect Halpert Rodis to many of these internship opportunities, which set him up for his success in his future career. 

“Success looks and feels different for every person,” Halpert Rodis says. “I think every law student experiences some pressure to conform to the traditional expectations of success. There is nothing wrong with buying in, but if your values are fundamentally at odds with this version of success then you will be doing yourself a disservice. Becoming a "successful" attorney should start with defining what "success" means to you.”