Adriana Hernandez Ordonez L’25: Immersed in In-House Counsel at Bell Partners
Adriana Hernandez Ordonez, a student in the Law Class of 2025, completed a residency at bell Partners, an investment and real estate company, through the Residency-in-Practice Program.Bell Partners was her top choice due to her interest in understanding the role of in-house counsel, notably within the intersection of business law and real estate – an area personally relevant to her background.
During her residency, Adriana’s daily tasks were diverse. She engaged in contract review, specifically redlining contracts and non-disclosure agreements. A meaningful portion of her time was also dedicated to legal research, focusing on statutes pertaining to rental properties and related legal issues. She actively supported her supervisors by assisting with urgent legal matters as they arose, gaining firsthand experience of the fast-paced nature of in-house legal work.
A key takeaway from the experience was the breadth of knowledge required for in-house counsel. Adriana learned that versatility and a working understanding of multiple legal areas were more valuable than deep specialization. She was advised that success in the role hinged on knowing “a little bit about a lot of things” and being able to quickly research and resolve a wide range of issues.
The residency also highlighted the importance of clear communication. Adriana noted a shift in approach from the detailed explanations common in law school to providing concise, direct answers – often a simple “yes” or “no” – when interacting with non-legal professionals.She refined her existing legal research skills,strengthening her abilities in issue-spotting and detailed analysis,exemplified by her work redlining contracts for future negotiation.
Looking ahead to graduation, Adriana confirmed her career aspirations, stating the residency solidified her desire to pursue in-house counsel work. Having explored business law as an undergraduate, the experience at Bell Partners validated this path. The residency proved invaluable during her job search,providing her with supportive recommendations from her supervisors and bolstering her confidence in her professional capabilities. She emphasized the importance of the Residency-in-Practice Program in recognizing her value as a potential employee and developing crucial communication skills, including observing different attorneys’ approaches to various legal situations. These insights, she believes, are essential for her continued professional growth.
