As a law student, choosing where to apply for a law clerk job is crucial. A strategic, selective approach gives you a strong head start in your legal career. Look for a firm that allows you to sharpen your skills, expand your legal knowledge, and gain hands-on experience across diverse practice areas. Seek a role that puts you in the courtroom, involves real casework, encourages client interaction, and fosters collaboration with a team committed to justice. The firm you choose is the foundation for your legal career. Plakas Mannos is home to a team of talented professionals who excel in a wide range of practice areas. They share a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
Working as a law clerk at Plakas Mannos is not for the faint of heart—you won’t be stuck behind a desk pushing papers. In the words of partner, Megan Frantz Oldham, “You will never be bored, you will never not be challenged, you will get to see what it is like to be a lawyer.” This law clerk job offers more than academic learning. You’ll be actively involved in cases: speaking with clients, preparing witnesses, drafting documents, and creating motions to present in court. You’ll work side by side with partners, associates, paralegals, and staff, all dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for our clients. Unlike other law clerk jobs, this position offers more than just observing. At Plakas Mannos, you are part of our team—our pride. You are entrusted with the professional development of the case from start to finish as an integral part of the legal team handling the case.
To truly understand the law clerk’s experience at Plakas Mannos, there is no better way than to hear from Anna, a current law clerk at the firm.
Meet Anna: Law Clerk at Plakas Mannos
Anna graduated summa cum laude from The University of Mount Union. She is a third-year law student at The University of Akron School of Law, where she is the Moot Court Honors Society Secretary (competed twice last year, once in LA), Assistant Editor of Vol. 58 of The Akron Law Review, Managing Editor of the Symposium Edition of Vol. 59 of The Akron Law Review (student note will be published next academic year), and received CALI awards for achieving the highest grades in her class in Property Law and Advanced Legal Research.
What made you want to apply for the law clerk position here at Plakas Mannos?
“The firm’s reputation. My Father works in the legal field. He said Plakas Mannos is THE place to be. If you want to be the best, it helps to learn from the best. The fact that this is a paid position is amazing; paid positions are hard to come by for a law student.”
What attributes make Plakas Mannos stand apart from other law firms?
“Plakas Mannos has outstanding work product and dedication to their client outcomes. The overall office environment, diversity of assignments and practice disciplines contribute to the appeal of the firm. I have the freedom to start seeing what actual lawyering is like, but with a strong support system—it’s a great place to learn and build connections.”
How do you feel about Plakas Mannos taking a TEAM approach when it comes to their clients and cases?
“Two heads really are better than one. The team approach makes for more efficient work. From a law clerk perspective, it means you always have a support system for when you have questions.”
Do you feel that your skills as a future lawyer are being significantly developed here at Plakas Mannos?
“Yes, I started with smaller assignments and built up gradually. I am much stronger at drafting briefs and motions. My communication skills have improved; they are more succinct and clearer. I am also much faster and more efficient with my research.”
Arguments Al fresco; Do you feel that you have been well prepared?
Arguments Al fresco are oral arguments that the firm holds over the summer, allowing law clerks to experience what it is like to be an advocate and argue one of our cases in front of our team.
“It can be very daunting at first, but yes, I feel I have been well prepared. The key is to be mechanical when you analyze the facts and all the materials in the file. It’s really an invaluable experience because you get to practice an argument in front of a firm of experienced litigators and start to build your professional identity. It’s the first opportunity to show your oral advocacy chops to the firm.”
Plakas Mannos offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in real-world legal practice. You'll be challenged and engaged, working directly on cases, interacting with clients, and collaborating with a dedicated team. At Plakas Mannos, you're not just an observer; you're an integral part of our pursuit of justice, entrusted with the development of cases from beginning to end. Choosing the right law clerk job can be a pivotal step in launching a successful legal career. If you are ready to embrace this challenge and grow your skills, Plakas Mannos is the team to join.
Join Our Pride
Interested in working with the top lawyers in Ohio? Learn about the benefits of joining the Plakas Mannos team. Apply to be a Law Lion today.
About the Authors
Leah Young is an administrative professional at Plakas Mannos, and Anna Zumbar is a law clerk at Plakas Mannos.
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