Lilian Sampson is a third-year law student at Washington and Lee University. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, she’s deeply involved in campus life. She serves as a Law Ambassador, was the former Vice President of the Black Law Students Association, and is the Lead Articles Editor for The Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice. After interning at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, she spent last summer interning at the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Financial Services Division. Her goal after law school is to clerk for a judge.
How did you find this internship?
Before law school, I worked as an assistant property manager. My manager connected me with an attorney from the Virginia State Corporation Commission (VASCC). After keeping in touch, she encouraged me to apply. I interviewed during my fall finals and got the position a few weeks later.
What was your work like?
My main task was to prepare memos comparing Virginia’s insurance regulations with those of other states. I also helped attorneys with hearings related to securities matters. Reviewing evidence and preparing for possible hearsay objections were key parts of my role. The regular check-ins with attorneys were really helpful, too. I could discuss tricky topics in insurance regulation and the Virginia Securities Act.
What skills did you develop?
I sharpened my skills in statutory interpretation. I had to dive deep into the Virginia Annotated Code and sometimes cross-reference it with the Virginia Constitution. This was a challenge, but I became more confident in my ability to navigate legal texts.
What surprised you about the Commission?
I had no prior knowledge of what the Virginia State Corporation Commission did. It was surprising to see how involved they are in various areas, including insurance licensing and securities regulation. Even though I worked mainly in Financial Services, I learned about other divisions too, thanks to the opportunities to sit in on hearings.
What was your favorite part of the internship?
Getting to know the team of attorneys was a highlight for me. We had bi-weekly meetings where team members shared updates on their work and planned bonding activities. One memorable outing was at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. We enjoyed snacks inspired by a Frida Kahlo exhibit and even had a chance to witness a wedding. Attending the Richmond Greek Festival gave me insight into the hobbies and personalities of my colleagues.
Has this experience shaped your post-graduation plans?
I initially focused solely on clerking after law school, but this internship broadened my perspective. I realized I enjoy exploring various legal issues. The dynamic nature of the Commission, where new challenges arose daily, sparked my interest in diverse areas of law. I still plan to clerk but am open to similar opportunities at places like the VASCC.
How will this experience influence your time at W&L Law?
This internship confirmed my passion for code-driven areas of law. I found myself especially drawn to issues regarding the Virginia Securities Act. It inspired me to take more classes that focus on codes this semester, like bankruptcy.
According to a recent report by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, understanding state regulations can significantly impact the financial services industry. This reinforces the importance of experiences like mine at the VASCC, where I can explore these complex topics more deeply.
In today’s fast-paced legal landscape, hands-on experiences at regulatory bodies can provide invaluable insights, making internships not just a stepping stone, but a vital part of a successful legal career.
