2L Robert Larsen had long been interested in working in Washington, D.C., even while applying to law school. He learned about Utah Law’s D.C. options for students through the experiential education program and knew he wanted to attend the school.
“It made sense in my mind that I could pay Utah tuition and still have access to the D.C. market through this opportunity,” he recalls. “I also came to law school knowing I wanted some sort of international component to my work, and I voiced that throughout law school with my colleagues and professors.”
Larsen took a mediation and negotiation class from Associate Professor Nicolás Parra-Herrera and enjoyed learning from him. When Larsen asked about potential opportunities in D.C., Professor Parra-Herrera connected him with a former classmate at D.C.’s Womble Bond Dickinson, an international law firm with offices throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. Larsen began working there as an international arbitration extern in January 2026.
“It’s been an awesome opportunity to dive into an area of law I haven’t seen offered at the law school yet: international arbitration. I came to the table with no experience in arbitration beyond knowing what it was, so it’s been amazing to see what it looks like in practice and learn with people who do this for a career,” he says.
His first assignment was researching the impact of former Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro’s arrest on those who have outstanding arbitration claims against Venezuela.
“There was a lot of hope with regime change that Venezuela would get back on its feet financially and have the ability to pay outstanding arbitration awards, which they haven’t had until now. My research looked at the impact the arrest had and whether it’s worth it right now to pursue arbitral claims against Venezuela,” Larsen explains. “It was interesting and fun to study and learn about a cutting-edge issue as it was developing.”
Other assignments have included studying the Federal Arbitration Act and New York Convention, along with the Panama Convention and conflict of laws issues. Larsen has worked closely with his mentor to provide research for a report he is currently working on.
“It was overwhelming at first to work in an area that I know nothing about, but I got my feet underneath me pretty quickly and figured out how current events impact the field,” he says.
If you want to work in Washington, D.C., Larsen recommends talking to everyone in your network, including classmates, attorneys you worked with over the summer, and professors, about your interest.
“People are so willing to help you, so advocate for yourself and ask for opportunities. When I was applying for internships initially, there was a government shutdown and I wasn’t sure what to apply for,” he recalls. “This job came together at the last minute, but I’m really happy it did.”
He has enjoyed living at the Hatch Center and recommends working with the Hinckley Institute when planning for a semester in the city.
“The housing is nice and a 15-minute walk from work, so I don’t even have to worry about transportation fees. There are also grocery stores close. I was pleasantly surprised to see how accessible the Hatch Center is to the things you need and to D.C. in general,” he says. “Depending on your area of interest, the Hinckley Institute has connections in D.C. and can help you find opportunities there.”
Since leaving Utah for a semester, Larsen says he has realized how different law school is without his classmates around and how much he misses studying with them.
“Funny enough, coming to D.C. has made me realize my favorite thing about Utah Law is the people. Many intelligent, quick-witted people come here, but I think the level of collegiality at Utah is unique as I talk with friends that attend other law schools,” he says. “I’ve had people share their outlines with me, and I’ve shared mine with others as we’re preparing for exams. Everybody’s lifting each other up, and your classmates want you to succeed. They’re willing to connect you with people if you have a certain interest in an area.”
Law school is stressful already, Larsen notes, so he appreciates that Utah Law embodies the culture of a “rising tide lifting all boats.”
“Being buoyed up and having amazing people surrounding you is great—and I think the College of Law attracts people who are smart, kind, caring, collegial and want the best for you. Then it keeps moving forward that way when you attract those kinds of people,” he says.
After Larsen finishes his internship in D.C., he will spend the summer working for Holland & Hart in Boise, Idaho, before going on to complete his last year of law school.
“Working in international arbitration has been not only a way to show my interest in international work as I build my career moving forward, but also a way to get real-world experience and exposure and connections that’ll help me do that. This summer, I’ll explore the corporate and transactional side of the law, which is ultimately what I am interested in pursuing. I’d love to be doing something in international transactions, and I’m fascinated by supply chains and trade law.”