LA law trip for Larne student Conor

Conor McCormick, from Old Glenarm Road, will get a chance to sample the American legal sytem in action during a three-month externship in LA.

He will be working for two federal judges in the US Federal Court in Los Angeles and their clerks who are qualified attorneys from the prestigious Yale and Harvard universities.

Conor, who is a former pupil of St. MacNissi’s College, will also have the opportunity to network with other lawyers and at the end of the trip, he will present a plaque on behalf of Larne Borough Council to the Irish American Bar Association which is organising the programme.

“It will be much more hands-on than work experience here. Most of the time, I will be working for the judge’s clerk doing legal research or filing forms. The clerk will show me how they operate,” said Conor.

The final-year Queen’s student indicated that he recently had a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of Antrim Crown Court after winning a competition organised by the Court Service.

As well as a visit to judges’ chambers, he was able to gain a practical insight into the court system and consider sentencing tariffs.

“The judges tried to help me learn how they work. I was nervous going in to speak to them but they were really friendly and had plenty of time for me.

“When I went back to Queen’s, I was able to put what I had learnt into practice.”

Twenty-two-year-old Conor is the only student from Northern Ireland to have been selected. He will make the trip with six others from the Republic of Ireland. They will stay together in an apartment in the Westwood Village area of the city. He is also looking forward to a few day trips including a visit to Las Vegas.

“This experience will be great for my CV and a great life experience,” he added.

Meanwhile, Conor is considering his career options and says that he will not be “closing any doors”.

“I am keeping every route open. I am looking at graduate jobs for next year, Going to LA in particular is a great experience.”