Francesca Zepeda is currently enrolled at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Prior to LCA, she amassed four years of experience in journalism and marketing. Her most recent legal internship was with Georges & Synowiecki, Ltd.
Q: How did you first learn about LCA, and what motivated you to apply for an internship with us?
A: I learned about LCA through a former co-worker from my previous summer internship. Additionally, I attended an all-female panel organized by the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois and LCA. I was motivated to apply for the internship because intellectual property law has interested me since my last semester of undergrad at the University of Florida in 2018, during which I took Communications Law. I also interned at UF's College of the Arts for one semester, and saw the potential of being able to combine my love for the arts with my love for the law.
What were your initial expectations when joining LCA, and did anything about the experience surprise you?
My initial expectations were that there would be a lot of experience in working directly with clients. I was surprised to see such a wide range of legal issues arising within the arts beyond intellectual property, particularly in relation to the estates and businesses of artists.
Many of our interns come to us with unique backgrounds in the arts. Do you have any personal background or experiences in the arts that you feel have contributed to your time at LCA?
In high school at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, I used to be involved behind the scenes in the theater department, from school-run shows to local competitions, mainly supporting the tech and make-up/costume departments. I am also a huge fan of theater, live music, classic, and modern art, and I visit the Art Institute every chance I get.
In what ways has your experience at LCA connected with and enhanced what you've been learning in law school? Did you enter LCA with gaining experience in a specific area of law in mind? If so, has your experience influenced or changed your interests?
LCA definitely improved my issue-spotting skills and, most definitely, my ability to communicate with such a wide range of clients — something you don't necessarily learn within the four walls of a classroom. While I thought I would mainly focus on IP law, which was indeed the majority, I also had the opportunity to learn about business start-up law, various contracts, estates, and more.
Discuss the significance of learning about arts law from a practical perspective and how this exposure has added value to your education. Additionally, reflect on your overall experience in a law office setting at LCA – in what ways has this contributed to your professional growth and understanding of legal practice?
This experience has definitely opened my eyes to the vast variety of legal issues artists deal with. It was refreshing to see where creative and logical people intersect, knowing that the attorneys who will be paired with these clients also have a soft spot for the arts. Being in the law office at the LCA provided a quiet place to conduct intakes and separate work from home, especially when dealing with heavy, sensitive issues during intakes.
Can you share some of your favorite moments or projects from your time with LCA and why they stood out to you?
One of my favorite moments with LCA was conducting an intake in Spanish, where the client felt comfortable providing all the details. As a daughter and granddaughter of immigrants, I was grateful to utilize my knowledge to assist a first-generation immigrant and small business owner with legal issues.
What are your plans following the completion of your degree, and do you feel your time at LCA has helped shape these plans? Do you have any intentions of volunteering with LCA after obtaining your degree, and if so, why?
As of now, I plan to work in estates and trusts law, possibly with the wealth division of BMO Bank in Chicago. Interacting with Elsa Hiltner to learn about the seminars and clinics she organizes inspired me to consider volunteering with LCA after obtaining my degree.
Reflect on the broader impact of the work that LCA does in the arts community and share your insights on the organization's role in shaping the legal landscape for the arts. Additionally, in your opinion, what unique value does an organization like LCA bring to the arts community? Consider your experiences working with clients at LCA and any insights or lessons gained from these interactions.
Based on everything I have witnessed over the last four months, I can attest that LCA is doing incredible work for artists in the Chicago and Illinois area. Many clients are grateful to have found our services because they are low-income, business start-ups, new to the film industry, or even international students who want to stay after graduation.
Which TV show, movie, song, or book have you recently finished, and would you recommend it to your peers?
Currently, I'm binge-watching the TV show "Schitt’s Creek," and it definitely keeps me going while in my second year of law school. My recent favorite song is "Dive" by Olivia Dean, and my recent favorite book is "Book Lovers" by Emily Henry — a good choice for any rom-com lover.
Thank you Francesca for all of your hard work as an intern this quarter! Check the website or follow us on social media for future intern profiles and other exciting content.