Externship Experience

In the fall semester of her final year, Gioia Fisk JD’24 undertook an externship with U.S. District Court Judge Michael Simon. This opportunity provided her with invaluable insight into judicial decision-making, shaping her career direction significantly.

Willamette University College of Law has a longstanding tradition of facilitating externships that bridge academic knowledge with practical legal skills. The connections fostered through Willamette’s extensive professional network were crucial in helping Fisk secure an associate position at Hart Wagner LLP in Portland, where she now applies her judicial insights in high-stakes employment and civil rights litigation.

Academic Foundations at Willamette Law

Upon entering law school in 2021, Fisk found herself immersed in her studies for the first time, following a rigorous undergraduate schedule that included three jobs. She views this dedicated focus as an “absolute privilege,” allowing for deep engagement with the material and mentorship from her professors.

Fisk reflects on the transformative impact of her law school education: “The frame of mind that law school teaches you… it’s such a cool way to think.” She notes that law school not only structures her existing thought processes but enhances her ability to analyze legal issues methodically.

Her involvement at Willamette extended beyond classroom learning. Fisk participated in the Willamette University Public Interest Law Project, served as managing editor for the Willamette Law Review, and contributed as a teaching assistant for the Lawyering Class during her third year.

Networking and Career Development

During her first year, Fisk gained practical experience working within the Oregon Department of Justice on civil litigation matters. Desiring to broaden her experience beyond government work, she received a pivotal introduction from a Willamette connection. This connection led to a meeting with Karen O’Kasey, a prominent litigator at Hart Wagner, culminating in a summer clerkship and subsequently a full-time job offer—a noteworthy achievement at a firm not typically known for hiring recent graduates.

Fisk attributes her success to the strong advocacy from faculty and her proactive networking efforts. “I credit a lot of the opportunities I’ve gotten both during law school and post-grad because of those people advocating for me and me asking for their help,” she states.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Fisk aspires to eventually transition into legal academia. For now, she is focused on accumulating practical experience and is appreciative of her current position. “I’m so grateful for where I am at right now,” she remarks. “At each stage, it’s helpful to remember how hard you worked to get where you are at.”