The international law firm O’Melveny & Myers LLP has selected Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law student Hope Blain (JD ’19) as a 2018 summer associate. O’Melveny & Myers is very selective, with only a small number of candidates earning summer positions each year.

It is no surprise that Blain was chosen for this sought-after summer position. An academic standout at the Fowler School of Law, she is also an active leader in the Student Bar Association, a staff editor on the Chapman Law Review,  a member of the Moot Court and Alternative Dispute Resolution competition teams, and a student ambassador.

“I am really excited to experience working in a big firm,” Blain said. “I loved my time there when I interviewed, and I absolutely knew that it was what I wanted.”

Blain will work in O’Melveny & Myers’ Newport Beach office, participating in programs designed to expose summer associates to the firm’s many highly-ranked practice areas. Career website Vault.com recently ranked O’Melveny & Myers #2 for 2018 Best Summer Associate Programs and #25 in its 2018 Vault Law 100 ranking of the most prestigious law firms in the country.

“I am looking forward to getting real-world experience and hands-on practice through the firm’s programs,” Blain said. “Being a part of a major law firm really appeals to me because I like the fact that I will be working on high-level cases. I am someone who enjoys working on multiple projects at once, so I know I will love the fast-paced work.”

Blain secured the position by participating in Chapman’s On-Campus Interview (OCI) program. She worked closely with Fowler School of Law Assistant Director of Career Services Joan Mountain to perfect her resume, cover letter, and interview techniques. The Career Services Office also arranged for her to conduct a mock interview with a Fowler Law alumnus.

“Each time I got a call back during OCI, Joan would have me come in to walk through the interview process,” Blain said. “It was very helpful to work with someone who was so supportive and knowledgeable about the interview process and the firms.”