Four NYC Interns to Watch on National Intern Day

Yesterday, we spotlighted five Tech:NYC member companies to watch that are building and growing—and jetsetting!—in the travel ecosystem here in NYC.

Today is National Intern Day. To celebrate, we’re showcasing four legal interns who have spent their summer at our member companies, working on contracts, policy, and more. Once a week, they’ve gathered to share ideas and get advice from our companies’ General Counsel on the ins-and-outs of being a lawyer at a tech company. We asked each of them a few fun questions about their work, their favorite things to do in NYC, and more.

Jillian McMillan, Better

What excites you the most about interning at Better?

JM: It has been extremely beneficial to my future legal career to intern at 1/0 Capital, the investment holding company for Better and other companies focused on the nexus of technology and consumer credit. Working in-house for an investment firm has given me a unique opportunity to learn a variety of skills that I had no experience with at the start of my internship. I’ve been particularly excited to work alongside the general counsel and receive constructive and detailed feedback on how to improve my work.

What summer project at Better do you find the most intriguing? What did you gain from the experience?
JM: I started at 1/0 Capital with a strong interest in contract review. With my internship, I took a deep dive into learning how to properly review, draft,  and edit different types of contracts used by lawyers on a daily basis. Throughout the summer, I have gained confidence in those skills, which I know will be an asset in any area of law I practice.

What advice would you give the next intern?
JM: Work hard, try to take in the entire experience, and don’t be too shy to ask for feedback on your work, because it is the best way to improve skill set.

What’s the best way to spend a summer Friday in NYC?
JM: Exploring New York’s vast array of restaurants and dessert cafes.

Pizza or bagel?
JM: I have been eating both non-stop since moving here, but if I had to choose, pizza.

Favorite borough?
JM: Manhattan.

Favorite social media channel?
JM: Instagram!

Dream job?
JM: A lawyer, of course!

Brittany Armstead, Tech:NYC

What excites you the most about interning at Tech:NYC?

BA: The Tech:NYC team is one of the most committed, smart, and fast-paced teams I’ve had the pleasure of working with. The energy at Tech:NYC is vibrant and their commitment to creating a thriving NYC tech ecosystem is inspiring. I’m excited to participate in that energy every single day.

What summer project at Tech:NYC do you find the most intriguing? What did you gain from the experience?
BA: I spent most of the summer updating and writing regulatory briefs on issues that are currently affecting the tech community. The intersection between regulation and emerging technologies is fascinating, and I’ve learned a ton on how to engage policymakers, tech leaders, and other interested parties to create smart governance. I’m hooked!

What advice would you give the next intern?
BA: Have a good sense of humor, jump in head first, and work hard. Mistakes are a part of life. You’ll be great!

What’s the best way to spend a summer Friday in NYC?
BA: Food and street festivals! I’m currently obsessed with the Midtown Street Festival, which runs a food festival every Friday by Grand Central Station.

Pizza or bagel?
BA: Most days I’m gluten free. When I’m not, pizza all the way!

Favorite borough?
BA: It doesn’t get any better than Queens.

Favorite museum?
BA: Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn.

Favorite social media channel?
BA: Twitter.

Dream job?
BA: Beyoncé’s General Counsel.

Chloe Curtis, Warby Parker

What excites you the most about interning at Warby Parker?
There is an incredible energy at Warby Parker. During my time this summer with the legal team, I've had the privilege to work on a diverse range of projects that have introduced me to many facets of the business and the marketplace at large. Every day is different and you always have to be on your toes, which makes for an extremely interesting, exciting, and challenging internship.

What summer project at Warby Parker do you find the most intriguing? What did you gain from the experience?
Warby Parker is at the forefront of innovation in so many different ways. As the company continues to develop and rethink the industry, the legal team is always in position to support the company's creativity and forward thinking. I've had the opportunity to work on a number of agreements for our brand team that have been educational in terms of understanding the best practices for tailoring these agreements to meet the unique needs of each project while maintaining the Warby Parker ethos.

What advice would you give the next intern?
To be open-minded and excited about every task or project. There is always something to learn and every experience is valuable.

What’s the best way to spend a summer Friday in NYC?
CC: A visit to The High Line and some my favorite Chelsea galleries.

Pizza or bagel?
CC: The Bee Sting Pie from Roberta's.

Favorite borough?
CC: Manhattan.

Favorite museum?
CC: Judd Foundation on Spring Street.

Favorite social media channel?
CC: Pinterest.

Dream job?
CC: Something creative and challenging that allows me to incorporate my art, design, and legal skills.

Jessica Tyler, WeWork

What excites you the most about interning at WeWork?
JT: Here at WeWork, every day is different, and I am constantly meeting young, innovative people with endless energy. It’s been a pleasure getting to learn from them.

What summer project at WeWork do you find the most intriguing? What did you gain from the experience?
JT: So far, my favorite project has been working with the commercial and privacy legal teams to ensure GDPR compliance across current agreements and crafting a process for ensuring privacy protection going forward. As a result of the project, I now understand the implications of GDPR and how the regulations apply to WeWork.

What advice would you give the next intern?
JT: Take advantage of the people and resources available to you! The amount you can learn here in eight weeks is incredible.

What’s the best way to spend a summer Friday in NYC?
JT: Picnicking with friends in Central Park (if it is not too humid).

Pizza or bagel?
JT: Bagel.

Favorite borough?
JT: Manhattan.

Favorite museum?
JT: The Whitney.

Favorite social media channel?
JT: Snapchat.

Dream job?
JT: A job that allows me to be surrounded by inspiring and authentic people and pushes me to create new solutions every day.

Photo credit: Women looking at New York skyline by oneinchpunch/Shutterstock