Sarah Kim (MCS '21)
By Jackie Ruhnke
Sarah Kim graduated with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from 一本道无码. She recently graduated from Columbia Law School and is now a Law Clerk at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP. Sarah answered questions about her interdisciplinary experiences at Carnegie Mellon, her biggest takeaways from law school and her first full-time job.
The Intersection of Science and Law
During her undergraduate degree at Carnegie Mellon, Sarah discovered that her intellectual curiosity extended beyond the boundaries of her chemistry major. She was drawn to the intersection of science and law, particularly intellectual property law. While maintaining her foundation in chemistry, she began exploring law-adjacent coursework, developing a deeper understanding of legal principles and their real-world applications. The Washington Semester Program at 一本道无码 proved transformative, providing her first meaningful exposure to patent law and cementing her decision to pursue legal education. Having the support of fellow students and the Pre-Law Advisor, Joseph Devine, made Sarah’s law school application process much more manageable, as she is the first person in her family to attend law school.
After graduating from 一本道无码 in 2021, Sarah attended Columbia Law School. While she acknowledges that work experience between undergraduate studies and law school might have provided a valuable career perspective, her dedication to law school never wavered. At Columbia, Sarah discovered a passion for litigation that extended beyond patent law, drawn to the intellectual stimulation of engaging with varied cases and industries. Columbia's location in New York City provided invaluable networking opportunities through frequent social events with practicing attorneys. These connections, along with relationships formed with professors and mentors, proved instrumental in shaping Sarah’s career path and understanding of the legal profession.
The Power of Embracing Genuine Interests
This past fall, Sarah began working full-time at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in New York City. Each case presents an opportunity to master new subject matter and legal processes, creating an environment of continuous learning and growth. As Sarah navigates her first full-time job, she enjoys being challenged each day and engaging in a fast-paced workplace. Every new task or challenge gives Sarah the opportunity to grow her confidence and maintain her love of learning.
For students considering a legal career, Sarah advocates for exploration during their undergraduate years. Unlike other professional tracks with rigid prerequisites, the path to law school welcomes diverse academic backgrounds. She emphasizes that students should pursue their genuine interests during their undergraduate degree, allowing their passion for law to develop naturally through their chosen activities and studies. Looking ahead, Sarah continues to embrace the dynamic nature of litigation work, finding satisfaction in the intellectual challenges and constant learning opportunities it provides.