Avery Hayes had a choice to make. She had a neuroscience degree from Trinity College and four years of experience as a clinical data associate with pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Now, she thought, she could stay on track professionally, or she could head to law school. It was one or the other — or so it seemed. Then Hayes had an epiphany.

“I realized I could use my passion for neuroscience and life sciences — as an attorney,” she explains. “I didn’t have to choose between the two; I could combine them.”

On co-op with Novo Nordisk, the global pharmaceutical company known for the weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, Hayes is melding her interests while gaining critical legal experience. “It’s been fascinating to transition to the legal side of the pharmaceutical industry,” she says. “I’m learning to navigate the complexities of an in-house environment, and I’m gaining technical clinical law experience by drafting clinical trial agreements and data transfer agreements.”

Hayes’ background is a bonus in this, her first co-op. “Although this is my first experience in the legal field, my familiarity with the clinical side allows me to quickly adapt,” she says. “I’m incredibly grateful to my supervisor, whose extensive experience and mentorship have been invaluable to my professional development.”

Hayes is also looking forward to her second co-op: in May, she’ll be heading to Latham & Watkins as a summer associate. “I’m excited to explore the world of Big Law and to build on my skills.”

“What most surprised me on co-op was how the Department of Labor Relations interacts with the legislature and the courts to execute laws in ways that are fair and that preserve lawmakers’ intent. It was invaluable to observe how the DLR analyzed Question 3 on the November ballot, which asked voters to decide if rideshare drivers should have the right to form unions. I also appreciated the encouragement to develop my own research and writing style.”

— Daniel Castro-Fernandez ’26

“As an international student, I chose a judicial internship to better understand the American social and practical contexts behind various legal concepts and to see how the courts impact people’s lives. I was especially inspired by the federal public defenders, whose compelling arguments can shift judges’ views. Their skills and their dedication set the standard for the kind of lawyer I aspire to be.”

—Yunjae Choe ’26