1. Summer Experience: Julia Lanning ’26L

Julia Lanning '26L is a third-year law student at Washington and Lee and is originally from Farmington, New York. This past summer, she worked at the Advanced Administrative Litigation Clinic (Black Lung Clinic) at Washington and Lee.

How did you find/get this position?

I wanted to stay in Lexington for my 2L summer, and while looking for potential internships on SCORE, I noticed that the clinic was hiring. I was in class with Professor MacDonnell at the time and reached out to him to learn more about the opportunity.

Describe your work experience.

It was a great learning experience! Not only did I learn a lot about pneumoconiosis and coal mining, but I also gained valuable hands-on experience with nearly every stage of the litigation process. I drafted interrogatories, requests for admission, requests for production of documents, and initial disclosures. I also helped prepare evidence for hearings, observed a hearing, and drafted a closing brief.

What are some skills you developed this summer?

The most valuable skill I developed this summer was persuasive legal writing. While working with Professor Evans on a closing brief, I learned how to strategically present our client's strongest arguments while discrediting the opposing side's case.

What surprised you about the work you did this summer?

I was surprised by how differently opposing experts could interpret the same medical evidence. I expected medical findings to be more straightforward, but I learned that there is a surprising amount of room for advocacy and argument from both parties.

What was your favorite aspect of this summer work experience?

My favorite aspect of this summer experience was that I was encouraged to take initiative, think critically about the evidence in each case, and develop my own arguments.

Has this experience helped you figure out post graduate plans, and if so, how?

Yes, this experience has helped me figure out that I want to pursue a career in litigation after graduation.

How do you think this experience will shape the rest of your time at W&L Law?

Working at the Black Lung Clinic inspired me to enroll in litigation focused courses this fall such as the Advanced Civil Procedure Practicum. I'm also looking forward to bringing these skills with me to the Immigrant Rights Clinic in the spring.