Support
During this 12 week internship I had the opportunity to shadow the attorneys in the St. Lawrence County Public Defender's Office. I gained first hand experience in criminal and family law. I was able to attend various criminal and family court proceedings like trials, hearings, and pre-trial conferences. Additionally, I participated in office work that attorneys do such as legal research on relevant case law, trial prep, drafting motions and memos, client discussions and meetings, and settlement/plea negotiations. I also had the opportunity to attend the various local courts in the surrounding smaller towns of the county, showing how a public defender maintains close ties with clients in the community.
This internship showed me how there's much more to lawyering than just courtroom drama, but that most work is done outside of the courtroom. This internship has also furthered my desire to become a criminal lawyer, it has helped me answer questions about my future career.
I first entered this internship not knowing whether I wanted to be a prosecutor or a criminal defense attorney; but now after working with defense attorneys, I have realized that criminal defense is for me. To take that next step in my goal of becoming an attorney, I will be heading to law school after I graduate from SLU. Entering this internship, I also had goals of gaining knowledge of what it takes to be an attorney and experience to day to day life as a criminal defense attorney, and I accomplished those goals, I understand the workload and the determination of being an attorney and I am capable of this career.
Lastly, I would like to thank the donors and fellowship committee for providing me the funds to take this amazing opportunity and believing in me furthering my dream. Without you, taking this opportunity may not have been possible for me. I'm so grateful and thankful for putting your faith in me and giving me this opportunity.