November 2021- Introducing QuisLex’s new intern program – and our first intern!

QuisLex recently launched a new internship program in partnership with respected HBCU Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As part of the program, QuisLex educates and trains law students, providing them with a well-rounded understanding of the work done by ALSPs and how these services fit within the legal industry ecosystem. From there, interns are assigned to work with an established QuisLex client to gain hands-on experience in the delivery of legal services. Read the press release announcing our new internship program here.

Southern University Juris Doctorate candidate Stacie Dukes, our program’s first participant, began her internship with QuisLex on August 23, 2021. In the Q&A below, Dukes shares more about her background, what she’s hoping to gain from her internship and how things are going so far.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I received my bachelor’s degree in English from North Carolina Central University and a master’s degree in professional mental health counseling from Liberty University. I am a part-time evening student in my third year of law school. Prior to attending law school, I worked as a licensed mental health therapist, serving adults, children and families with a variety of mental health and substance use disorders. I have also worked as a flight attendant for many years.

Q: When did you decide you want to be a lawyer?

A: Law school has always been the goal. As a child, I recall being intrigued by courtroom television shows and the dramatic presentations of lawyers as they advocated for their clients. After college, I knew that I was not mature enough for the rigorous demands of law school and I really wanted to travel, so I became a flight attendant. My work as a flight attendant allowed me to travel the world for a few years; however, I desired to work in an environment that was more intellectually stimulating. The flexibility of the flight attendant job allowed me to work part-time with adults with developmental disabilities, which led to a decision to pursue a master’s degree in counseling. While my role as a mental health counselor was highly fulfilling, the desire to become an attorney intensified with each passing year. I finally made the decision to give up everything else to pursue this lifelong dream, which turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Q: What did you previously know about alternative legal service providers, and why were you interested in this internship opportunity with QuisLex?

A: I learned about alternative legal service providers from a commercial contracting course in law school, where we studied the commercial contracting process from sales to signature. We were introduced to the services provided by ALSPs and were tasked with identifying ALSPs in the current market. Following that course, I interned with an ALSP and learned more about the important work of these organizations.

Q: What have you learned so far about the services provided by an ALSP and working in this capacity for clients?

A: I have learned how important the role of ALSPs is for the overall health of the contracting process of the organizations they support. I was surprised to see that many organizations have inconsistent negotiation processes which result in a lack of standardization across agreements. ALSPs serve a vital role in ensuring that the process is efficient, which benefits the client by reducing cost, minimizing risks and ensuring consistency in the contract negotiation process.

Q: Tell us about your internship so far. What are you enjoying, and what do you still hope to learn or experience in the coming months?

A: This internship has been highly beneficial and rewarding. I have been able to build upon the knowledge gained in law school courses, as well as other internship opportunities. I have enjoyed all the projects assigned thus far; however, I have learned the most from reviewing NDAs and business risk waivers. I have also been able to work on a data privacy project and appreciated being introduced to that practice area as well. I hope to continue to build upon the knowledge I have gained and possibly be introduced to different types of agreements.