Summer Experience: Bryce Thornburg ’25L Bryce Thornburg spent his summer with the Complex and Affirmative Litigation Team of the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office.

By Law Communications
August 22, 2024

Bryce Thornburg ‘25L is originally from Manteca, California and is a third-year law student at Washington and Lee. He is a lead articles editor for the Law Review, treasurer for the Art Law Society, and president and co-founder of Law Students of California. He spent his 1L summer as an extern for Justice Jim Humes of the California Court of Appeals and his 2L summer with the Complex and Affirmative Litigation Team of the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office. He plans to work in California state or local government after law school. In his off-hours, Bryce enjoys writing poetry, cooking, and tending to his vegetable garden.

How did you find this position?

When I externed with Justice Humes of the California Court of Appeals during my 1L summer, externs were given the opportunity to have lunch with a different justice of the court each week. One of these justices, Danny Chou, once led the San Francisco City Attorney’s Complex and Affirmative Litigation Team. He spoke glowingly of his time there, describing it as “the kind of work that, as a law student, you sit around dreaming about one day doing.” He encouraged all of us to apply, and so I did.

Describe your work experience.

The San Francisco City Attorney’s Office is somewhat unusual in that it has the authority to bring affirmative suits against those who violate California’s Unfair Competition Law, which prohibits any “unlawful, unfair or fraudulent business act or practice.” The Complex and Affirmative Litigation Team not only prosecutes these cases, but also defends the city and county of San Francisco in “complex” matters involving multiple parties, extensive discovery, or thorny constitutional issues.

Over the course of the summer, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of matters, both affirmative and defensive. These included potential violations of landlord-tenant laws, credit services laws, and revenge porn laws. I was even fortunate enough to help with an environmental law case that is scheduled to be argued before the United States Supreme Court during the upcoming term.

What were some skills you developed this summer?

Because our team deals with such a broad range of matters, I was able to hone my research skills more than anything else. I am much more skilled at navigating unfamiliar statutory schemes and byzantine legislative histories than I was before my internship. If nothing else, I am now an expert on the Clean Water Act!

What surprised you about the work you did this summer?

I am not sure that “surprised” is the right word, but I was impressed and ultimately encouraged by the fact that the attorneys on the Complex and Affirmative Litigation Team made the conscious decision to work for our office. Given their impressive backgrounds, they could be working anywhere, but they chose to be in this office, on this team, and doing this kind of work on behalf of San Franciscans and the people of California. I am happy to know that there are people like that out there.

What was your favorite aspect of this summer work experience?

It is honestly difficult to pick just one. The work was interesting, important, and meaningful. The people were exceptionally smart, kind, and helpful. And my fellow interns—a special shoutout to Kolby Tate (Howard 26L) and Liana Wang (Harvard 26L)—were so impressive. But, if I had to pick just one, I would say that my favorite aspect of this summer internship was being back in California in a city that I love!

Has this experience helped you figure out post graduate plans, and if so, how?

Definitely. I am looking forward to litigating civil cases on behalf of state or local government.

How do you think this experience will shape the rest of your time at W&L Law?

Only time will tell!