3L Jasmine Williams Gains Comprehensive Understanding of Legal Landscape During Externship Experience 

3L Jasmine Williams participated in UC Law SF’s Corporate Counsel Externship Program, which places students in top legal departments.

Third-year law student Jasmine Williams’ externship with the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) strengthened her knowledge of transactional law and supported her career aspiration to become a litigator.

 

3L Jasmine Williams 

  • Working as an in-house extern at the University of California Office of the President. 
  • Grew up in Southern California and is interested in a career in litigation.  
  • Says this experience provided a stronger grasp of financial and legal structures and a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape. 

Third-year law student Jasmine Williams discusses her experiences working with the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), which oversees a system of 10 campuses, five medical centers, and three affiliated national laboratories. UC Law SF’s Corporate Counsel Externship Program places students in top legal departments. 

What did you do in this clinic and why is this work important? 

Through this experience, I gained valuable insight into transactional law. I had the opportunity to work with multiple transactional teams, including those focused on trusts and estates and tax law.  

This work impacts thousands—if not millions—of students like me and people who live in communities in California. It plays a critical role in shaping policies and decisions that affect the entire UC system. What makes this experience special is the dynamic work environment, where attorneys collaborate across a variety of practice areas. UCOP serves as a hub for diverse legal expertise, offering exposure to different facets of the law.  

How does this experience support your career goals? 

I pursued this transactional experience to develop a well-rounded understanding of the law. I believe it is essential to have some knowledge of transactional law to comprehend business objectives and make informed financial decisions in my own life and for my career aspirations in litigation. This experience has given me a stronger grasp of financial and legal structures—knowledge that is particularly valuable for someone like me, who did not have access to these resources growing up.  

Would you recommend UC Law SF and this program?  

I would absolutely recommend this program even to students focused on other areas of the law because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape. Transactional law influences how businesses operate, what is encouraged or discouraged in society, and how policies take shape. Having a foundation in transactional law is a great way to stay informed about the broader political and economic context.  

What’s your favorite UC Law SF memory so far?  

One of my favorite memories was finishing 1L year with my friends. I remember we all had our final exams around the same time, and after our last one, we piled into my car, exhausted but relieved, and headed to In-N-Out. It was a moment of celebration—not just because we had finished finals, but because we had made it through the most challenging year of law school together. That experience reassured me that if I could overcome 1L year, I could handle whatever came next.  

The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the college’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.