This summer, Potter Burnett Law has welcomed two hard-working and dedicated law clerks to their Pride. Both law clerks are also current students at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, which is also Debbie Potter’s alma mater. Read our Q&A with law clerks Megan and Lauren to learn a little more about each of them and their interest in personal injury law.
Name: Megan Hill
Where are you from? Denton, TX
Undergraduate education and degree: University of North Texas – Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies (Criminal Justice, Health, Communication)
Law School: University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
Current Year in Law School: Recently finished 1L and moving into 2L
Focus area: Megan is pursuing the Health Law certificate.
Why did you decide to go to law school?
“I worked in healthcare for 5 years and saw so many people being mistreated. I didn’t have the power to speak up on their behalf as a health care employee. I decided to go to law school so that I would have the power to speak up for those people who fall through the cracks of our healthcare system in hopes of improving access to quality care for all people.”
Why did you decide to pursue this position specifically with Potter Burnett Law?
“I was particularly interested in the Medical Malpractice side of the work and after interviewing with Andrew and Suzanne, I had a good feeling about the atmosphere of the firm and the work they do here. I absolutely was not disappointed, and I am loving every minute of this job, especially the medical malpractice work.“
Describe a typical day on the job:
“I review, organize, and summarize medical records, research legal issues, observe various intricacies of the legal profession, and learn from some of the brightest legal minds in the field.”
What is the most rewarding thing about your job so far?
“Knowing that what I am doing is helping people is my favorite part of this job so far. This firm has such a big heart for the community it serves, and I am honored to be a part of it. “
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“I enjoy spending time with my loved ones and my cat, Oliver.”
Any notable awards/accomplishments achieved during your emerging legal career so far?
• I made it on to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team at school
• I am the Webmaster/PR Chair for The University of Maryland Baltimore Public Health Alliance which is an interprofessional organization that combines the skills of the Law, Pharmacy, MD, PT, SW, and Dentistry programs to provide services to disadvantaged members of the Baltimore Community.
• I am the Community Service Chair for the Student Health Law Organization (SHLO) at school.
• I will be doing the Just Advice clinic providing free legal advice to the Baltimore community in the Fall.
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Name: Lauren Fash
Where are you from? Olney, Md
Undergraduate education and degree: Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Economics.
Law School: University of Maryland
Current Year in Law School: Starting her third year in the fall.
Focus area: Lauren is pursuing a health law concentration.
Why did you decide to go to law school?
“I grew up right outside of DC with a huge love for politics and history so I have wanted to go to law school since I was about 8. As I grew up, I realized I wanted to practice law to be able to help people who may not have be able to speak up. I want to be able to advocate for individuals to ensure that they are able to achieve a better quality of life.”
Why did you decide to pursue this position specifically with Potter Burnett Law?
“I have personally seen how much a car accident can impact a community and families so I was aware of how challenging the process can be so I wanted to be a part of a firm that was committed to their clients and helping them through this difficult period in a compassionate way. Also, I am interested in litigation so I was eager to learn more about litigation from talented attorneys that practice in a field of law that is dedicated to providing legal assistance to people who have been injured by a car accident, medical malpractice or any other type of personal injury.”
Describe a typical day on the job:
“A typical day is researching legal issues, reviewing medical documents, drafting discovery responses as well as learning from incredibly intelligent attorneys.”
What is the most rewarding thing about your job so far?
“The most rewarding part has been seeing how much PBL cares about its clients and its community so being a part of that passion and care has been incredible. Also, being able to help people who are going through challenging times is rewarding in and of itself and I love being apart of a team that cares so much for every client that they represent.”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“In my spare time, I love going to barre and boxing classes.”
Any notable awards/accomplishments achieved during your emerging legal career so far?
• I was selected for publication in Maryland Law Review Online Vol. 78 for a Comment that I wrote on automated license plate readers and privacy concerns. My Comment will be published within the next few weeks.
• I am the Senior Online Articles Editor for Volume 79 of Maryland Law Review.
• I was enrolled in the Public Health Clinic at UMD this past spring and worked on a bill that aimed to increase protections for students in school. I was able to testify on the bill and see it signed into law in April.