During my legal internship at Wenixo, an AI healthcare startup, I was tasked with identifying and evaluating governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) platforms to determine the most cost-effective solution for the company. I researched the platforms most commonly used by healthcare technology companies and conducted a comparative analysis based on company credibility, HIPAA compliance capabilities, support for SOC 2, HITRUST, and ISO certifications, audit readiness resources, external auditing services, startup-friendly offerings, trust center functionality, pricing, and overall fit for Wenixo’s stage of growth. After determining that one platform best aligned with the company’s legal and operational needs, I negotiated directly with the vendor, reducing the initial proposal from approximately $6,500 to $4,500. When Wenixo’s projected growth increased the quoted price to approximately $13,500, I continued negotiations and secured the same platform and expanded employee tier while maintaining the original $4,500 price, resulting in significant cost savings for the company. That experience reinforced my interest in legal work that combines regulatory research, strategic decision-making, and practical business judgment.
My interest in law is also rooted in seeing how legal knowledge can make a meaningful difference for the people around me. When my grandfather’s estate entered probate, my family was unsure of what steps to take, and uncertainty quickly turned into panic. Rather than becoming overwhelmed, I explained the probate process and the initial steps my family needed to take, helping provide clarity during an emotionally difficult time. My aunt still reminds me of how much that guidance meant to our family. That experience showed me that the law is not only about statutes and regulations—it is about helping people understand complex situations and make informed decisions when they need it most.
The values that guide my approach to the law were shaped by years of thoughtful conversations with my family about politics, history, and current events. Those discussions taught me to approach disagreements with respect, carefully evaluate different perspectives, and reach conclusions through reason rather than assumption.
Those same principles have shaped my academic and professional experiences. In addition to my internship, I published research examining the constitutional and policy implications of facial recognition technology, strengthening my ability to analyze emerging legal issues at the intersection of technology, privacy, and regulation. I am actively seeking legal internships at technology companies where I can apply this combination of regulatory analysis, strategic thinking, and policy judgment to real legal challenges while continuing to develop as an attorney.
Non-Negotiables
Q1: Would this role primarily involve day-to-day legal tasks with little opportunity to analyze regulatory risk or advise on strategic business decisions? Trace: You researched and conducted comparative analysis across multiple compliance frameworks (HIPAA, SOC 2, HITRUST, ISO) and made strategic recommendations — this role must offer that same depth of advisory work.
Q2: Would this role primarily involve established areas of law with little exposure to emerging technologies or policy issues? Trace: You published research examining constitutional and policy implications of facial recognition technology — this role must offer similar opportunities to analyze emerging legal issues at the intersection of technology, privacy, and regulation.
Q3: Would this role keep my legal work behind the scenes with little face to face time with clients or decision-makers understand complex issues and make informed decisions? Trace: You wrote “the law is not only about statutes and regulations—it is about helping people understand complex situations and make informed decisions when they need it most.” This role must offer direct opportunity to communicate legal guidance, not stay behind the scenes.
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