Working Inside a Global Wine Company Helps 3L Katrina Simons Explore In-House Legal Careers 

3L student Katrina Simons wearing a blazer in front of a fence and a tree.

Katrina Simons explores in-house legal practice through UC Law SF’s Corporate Counsel Externship Program.

3L student Katrina Simons discusses her experience working with in-house legal teams at Delicato Family Wines through UC Law SF’s Corporate Counsel Externship Program. 

 

  • Collaborated with in-house legal teams on projects involving international law, intellectual property, marketing, litigation, environmental, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. 
  • Gained practical experience in risk assessment, problem-solving, and business-minded legal analysis. 
  • Learned how to tailor legal advice to business objectives working with in-house attorneys at a global wine company. 

 

3L Katrina Simons: 

During my corporate externship at Delicato Family Wines, I worked closely with multiple teams within the legal department. I contributed to projects involving international law, intellectual property, marketing, litigation, environmental, sustainability, and regulatory compliance groups. I also toured several Delicato facilities across Napa, Manteca, and Geyserville, including recycling plants, bottling facilities, and consumer-facing locations such as Black Stallion Estate Winery and Francis Ford Coppola Winery. These visits helped me connect the legal work I was doing with the company’s day-to-day operations. Seeing the facilities firsthand showed me how the legal department supports Delicato as a whole. 

This experience gave me a comprehensive view of in-house legal practice and how closely business and law intersect. I saw how attorneys tailor legal advice to support business objectives while advancing the company’s broader goals. The legal department plays a role in nearly every part of the business, whether harvesting grapes or designing a new wine bottle. I also learned that working in-house entails adaptability and strong problem-solving skills because attorneys regularly help teams navigate business challenges.   

This externship exposed me to an area of law I had not previously explored and opened my eyes to a potential career path. I saw how multifaceted in-house legal departments are and how attorneys manage a wide range of issues while working closely with business teams. I also developed practical skills that translate across legal practice, including risk assessment, problem-solving, and analyzing legal issues within a broader business context. 

I would absolutely recommend UC Law SF and this externship. UC Law SF offers incredible opportunities that allow students to explore career paths they might not have otherwise discovered. The support I received from professors and faculty throughout this externship and throughout my law school career has been invaluable. Faculty members like Professor Nira Geevargis make this school truly special, and I cannot thank her enough for her guidance throughout this externship! 

Aside from this externship, my favorite UC Law SF memories come from my time on the Moot Court Team. Being elected co-chair was especially meaningful, allowing me to give back to the Moot Court community that has shaped my law school experience. Another favorite memory was becoming a national finalist at the University of San Diego National Criminal Procedure Moot Court competition alongside my close friends. Moot Court has given me an incredible network and invaluable advocacy experience. I highly recommend it to other students! 

The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the college’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.