Alumni Spotlight: Kimberly Shi ’21L Kimberly Shi works as an associate in the National Security group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

Kimberly Shi ’21L

Kimberly Shi ‘21L is from Bellaire, Texas. She received a B.A. in International Affairs and Economics from The George Washington University. Prior to studying law at Washington and Lee, she worked for a law firm in Chicago. Kimberly spent her 1L summer working as an intern in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and her 2L summer working for Clifford Chance LLP in Washington, D.C. As a 3L, she worked in the admissions office and served as the Editor in Chief for the Washington and Lee Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice. Kimberly currently works as an attorney for Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Outside of work, she enjoys pilates, cooking, and discovering new restaurants in DC. 

Discuss your career path and how it led you to work for Skadden. 

I started my professional legal career as a Litigation and Dispute Resolution associate at a “Magic Circle” firm in DC, where I learned about what it meant to be a regulatory lawyer. Through this experience I learned about the national security space and how I could meld my interest in international affairs and regulatory analysis. When an opportunity came to join Skadden’s National Security team, I could not resist.

What sort of legal issues do you handle on a day-to-day basis? 

My day-to-day is never the same and my job responsibilities are wide ranging. As an associate in the National Security group, I have worked on sanctions, export controls, and foreign investment matters. My day can go from helping with due diligence for potential transactions to drafting foreign investment filing materials, which keeps things interesting and engaging.

What do you like about your current job? 

Not to parrot the above, but I love that no day is the same. I am constantly learning new skills and different industries. What I specifically like about my job at Skadden is the people and the culture. I am fortunate enough to work with some of the most kind, dedicated, and experienced attorneys around. The partners are always looking out for me and providing new learning opportunities, while remaining available for any and all questions.

What are some practices you have in your daily life as an attorney to maintain wellness? 

I am a big fan of sleep, so I try to keep a healthy sleeping schedule and shutting off electronics about 30 minutes before bed. I find that working out 3-4x a week helps reset and refresh my mind and body, but nothing beats hanging out with friends and family.

Which W&L classes and/or experiences do you think were most helpful in preparing you for this job? 

I am still a big proponent of legal research and legal writing. They are foundational courses, and in practice, it’s important to identify, research, and summarize issues in real time, while being able to succinctly present your analysis both orally and in writing.

What advice do you have for prospective law students? 

Law school is not easy, but it can help you make dreams into reality. Work hard, have fun, and view every opportunity as a stepping stone. It is okay to not have everything planned out, but be comfortable in the uncomfortable. Sometimes the best things in life come that way.

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