Chapman University Fowler School of Law Entertainment Law Student Kristin Houg ('08) is proof positive that tenacity is the key to success in a tough job market. She was awarded an externship position with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim by "not taking 'no' for an answer." An active member of Chapman's Entertainment & Sports Law Society, she emailed the Director of Legal Affairs and Risk Management of Angels Baseball and inquired about a legal intern position. The Director explained that the Angels did not have an externship program set up. Kristin then contacted Chapman's Externship Director, Carolyn Young Larmore, who followed up to determine whether it would be feasible to set up a new externship program with Angels Baseball, providing information about the program. Soon after, Kristin received an invitation to interview, and ultimately was offered an externship! "It is wonderful when students bring me ideas for new externship possibilities, so I was happy to help," Professor Larmore explained.
Kristin was the Networking Chair for the Entertainment & Sports Law Society for two years at Chapman, where she participated in all events coordinated by the society. "It was important for us to spread the word about Chapman's Entertainment Law Emphasis program, which is really taking off," she said. "I met a lot of very interesting professionals along the way, including former Angel Tim Salmon," she added.
Kristin plans to work as an in-house corporate attorney. "I would love to end up working for a [baseball] club at some point," she noted. On her experience at Chapman, she pointed out: "I plan to be an active alumnus and participate in events as much as I can, including speaking on panels. Of course, I would love to speak in the Entertainment & Sports area, if I am lucky enough to get a job in this field!" Not only has Kristin had the opportunity to extern in the area of her "dream job," she expressed great pride in her role in helping to establish the first externship program with the Angels. "Now future law students can have the same opportunity that I did," she said. According to Professor Larmore, Kristin's efforts opened doors for other Chapman students, including Courtney Lewis ('09), who also externed with the Angels while she was a student.