3L Kevin Afiesh Learns to Translate Legal Risk Into Business Strategy as FinTech Extern 

3L Kevin Afiesh strengthened his corporate and fintech skillset through an externship at Plaid, gaining real-world experience at the intersection of technology and financial services.

3L student Kevin Afiesh shares how UC Law San Francisco’s Corporate Counsel Externship provided immersive, practice-ready training inside Plaid’s in-house legal department. 

• Reviewed and analyzed technology-focused agreements, including emerging AI provisions and liability terms 

• Explored financial services regulation and data governance within a growth-stage company 

• Learned how internal legal teams shape product, partnership, and compliance planning 

3L student Kevin Afiesh: 

During my externship at Plaid, I worked with the in-house legal team supporting a rapidly growing company at the intersection of technology and financial services. My work focused primarily on corporate, commercial, and intellectual property matters. 

I helped review and analyze vendor and partnership agreements, paying close attention to emerging artificial intelligence-related provisions and risk allocation terms. I also investigated regulatory and compliance issues involving financial services and data governance, and I researched intellectual property litigation relevant to fintech companies. This work supported legal risk assessment to guide strategic decision making.  

I learned firsthand how an in-house legal team operates in a highly regulated, innovation-driven environment, where legal analysis is closely integrated with business decision making. I saw how attorneys balance legal risk with commercial priorities and how their advice shapes contracting, compliance, and intellectual property strategy. It reinforced that effective in-house lawyers need to understand both the law and the operational realities of the business. 

The experience also strengthened my ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers and to provide advice that is precise, practical, and commercially aware. 

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I’ve worked with technology companies at different stages. Plaid added a distinct perspective within the tech ecosystem, showing me how a growth-stage fintech company approaches regulatory complexity, innovation, and risk tolerance. This sharpened my ability to adapt to clients with different structures, priorities, and compliance needs. 

As I prepare to practice corporate law in the technology industry, this exposure has strengthened my ability to align legal advice with a company’s stage of growth, strategic objectives, and internal dynamics. 

I would absolutely recommend the Corporate Counsel Externship Program. Working directly with an in-house legal team provided a meaningful sense of day-to-day practice inside a technology company, and the attorneys at Plaid were generous with their time and mentorship. 

The classroom component was equally valuable. Professors Nira Geevargis and Scott Darling created a thoughtful environment where we reflected on our experiences, discussed real-world challenges, and developed practical skills that complemented our fieldwork. 

More broadly, UC Law San Francisco’s location offers a clear advantage for students interested in technology, corporate practice, and public-interest work. Proximity to courts, law firms, and innovative companies — combined with programs like the Corporate Counsel Externship and an extensive Bay Area alumni network — make it a strong option for students who want to build their careers in the region. 

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.