Leslie Seibert (3L) proves that even in a tough economy, hard work still prevails. In the summer after her first year of law school at Chapman, she externed with The Honorable Theodor C. Albert at the United States Bankruptcy Court. During this externship, Leslie got to know his law clerk, who became a great mentor. After Judge Albert’s law clerk witnessed Leslie’s hard work firsthand, she recommended that Leslie pursue clerking after law school.

Leslie continued with her studies in bankruptcy and pursued a second externship with The Honorable Erithe A. Smith also in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the spring and summer of 2012. During these externships, Leslie demonstrated a high level of understanding and competency in analyzing the motions assigned to her. Through externing, she solidified her interest in clerking and was made aware of various clerkship opportunities. After completing the federal application process, Leslie landed a clerkship position with Judge Smith’s chambers alongside another Chapman Law alumna. Soon Leslie will get the chance to supervise externs and become a mentor herself.

In the last three years, 14 Chapman Law grads have held clerkships in Bankruptcy Court, most of whom first completed externships at Bankruptcy Court and all of which completed Judicial externships.