A Capital Learning Experience
As a former math teacher, Levi Brake ’26 understands and appreciates the value of experiential learning. When the opportunity to participate in the Washington D.C. Program arose, he jumped at the chance to learn and work in the nation’s capital.
For several years, the Washington D.C. Summer Program at Moritz has given students a chance to develop lawyering skills on the job and in the classroom. Students spend the majority of their time in their meaningful field placement, at sites hand-selected to complement each student’s specific goals and interests.
Brake entered the summer wanting to find a place where he could impact education legislation. What he found, though, was just how many issues and policy topics touch education on a federal level.
Brake worked in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Chief Counsel: Employment and Labor Law Division. The internship offered a variety of experiences, including drafting opposition statements, attending mediations, helping with settlement agreements, creating briefings for FAA executives, and research.
“The FAA also took us on field trips to learn more about the organization,” he said. “I visited the Atlantic City technical center, BWI Air traffic control, and the Potomac TRACON.”
One of the main projects Brake worked on throughout the summer related to a policy change within the agency that affected employees. Surprised by how much he enjoyed the work, Brake often spent long hours researching topics related to the policy.
“I looked at a lot of statues and regulations to answer questions about the policy,” Brake said. “I really loved seeing the nexus between people and policy.”
Brake credits his background as a math teacher as a reason why he enjoys problem solving so much.
“I appreciate clear outcomes and understanding the why behind a solution,” he said. “The evaluation of the likelihood something will occur is also something I’ve seen in both math and the law.”
As a participant of the program, Brake also had an opportunity to meet a number of legal professionals in the Ethics of Lawyering class. Guests to class included journalists, lobbyists, and members of the judiciary. It opened Brake’s eyes to the variety of careers available with a law degree.
“Meeting everyone made me realize that a lawyer’s career is not always a direct route from one opportunity to the next,” he said. “You can have a long career in law, so it’s important to be open to opportunities.”
Brake’s experience in D.C. made him realize it is where he wants to start his legal career. He has seen the opportunities for career growth within the federal government, both within and between agencies. Brake highly recommends the program to any law student and would advise students
“Take a risk, even if you’re scared,” Brake said. “It may help you uncover the next step in your journey.”