Job: During the summer of 2017, I worked for the Gay and Lesbian Victory Institute, and Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Washington, D.C. Office.

Duties: My responsibilities in the Senator’s office circumvented foreign policy legislation and narcotics control legislation. I worked with the International Narcotics Control Caucus, which focused on the addressing the opioid epidemic and drug trafficking domestically and internationally. In addition, I was tasked with reporting to the Legislative Correspondent whose policy range covered the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Best Part: My time on Capitol Hill helped me recognize my passion for public service, and I am excited to return to Washington, D.C. after graduation. I was able to assist the great constituents from California, and help create policy that assists all Americans. My time in DC allowed me to have a seat at one of the most influential tables in America, and I hope to continue working to bring positive change and improvement to America.

Job: As an undergraduate at the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, initially I was not tasked with reviewing and investigating an inmate’s case; one of the many steps of an innocent’s journey to exoneration. This tremendous responsibility is only for law students and lawyers. However, after interning for 4 months, I proved myself worthy of legal intern material.

Duties: I was no longer simply summarizing briefs or investigative reports, or drafting document logs; I was writing them. I was paired with a Villanova Law School intern, and for a semester, I investigated a case of wrongful conviction. I analyzed trial transcripts, reviewed police discovery and offered new evidence; all to evaluate an inmate’s claim of innocence. While presenting to the Case Review Committee, I realized that the law, although not always as clear, could be used to disseminate justice.

Best Part: I realized that with passion and hard work, I too could be a key player in the redemption of justice. This internship has not only given me great opportunity but also a real chance to effect someone’s life for the better by righting an injustice.

Job: This past summer I interned for Saltz Mongeluzzi Barrett & Bendesky Trial Lawyers, a top personal injury law firm located in Center City, Philadelphia.

Duties: This position was writing intensive! During the five months I interned there, I conducted legal research and drafted numerous legal documents, primarily regarding medical malpractice issues. I also attended attorney-client meetings and depositions, which were extremely interesting and exciting. 

Best Part: From this experience, I was able to see how things were done behind–the–scenes, prior to attorneys stepping foot into the courtroom. A lot of time is spent on trial preparation - most of the cases I worked on were settled before trial. Overall, this was a wonderful experience and I learned a tremendous amount.

Job: Intern, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in New York

Duties: Specifically, I worked with the White Collar Crime Unit of the Economic Crime Bureau, which handles complex frauds and schemes. I worked closely with the Assistant District Attorney on one major case for the entire summer, which included work in the office as well as pre-trial appearances in court. My duties included reviewing bank account records, purchases, and company services for any suspicious activity. In addition I also logged in and documented over one thousand pieces of evidence for the Grand Jury and the upcoming trial.

Best Part: The best part of the internship was learning about White Collar Crime and how to use documents of evidence for prosecution. This unit works totally different than any other criminal unit of law, mostly dealing with numbers and papers rather than physical evidence. Although it was challenging, I learned a lot and would recommend the internship to anyone.

Job: I interned at the PA Office of Attorney General in Philadelphia, Consumer Affairs Division, and with Judge John Younge in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Civil Division at City Hall during the summer of 2013.

Duties: At the OAG, I assisted agents with all aspects of investigation and possible litigation of consumer complaints of fraudulent business practices.  I reviewed and catalogued subpoenaed documents, summary of complaint files, and contact for consumers/potential witnesses for trial.

With Judge Younge, I assisted with pretrial preparation, post-trial wrap-ups, case document review, and experienced meetings between the Judge and council members.

Best Parts:  My experience with the OAG showed me the agents that work there really are trying to help others. The office targets fake businesses and frauds that take people’s money in a deceptive way. Generally, the people who request help from OAG are those who cannot quite afford an attorney. I believe I really helped those who truly needed my help.

With Judge Younge, I was able to witness major jury trials first-hand. I also had excellent networking opportunities, because I was able to meet countless attorneys and law school interns.

Job:  I interned at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, as part of the study abroad program. I still cannot believe it.

Duties: I helped the assistants of the Members of European Parliament, MEP. Attended meetings that were “closed doors,” which meant it was private and anything said within the doors must be kept inside the doors. I worked for Romania, because it was a newer member of the European Union and there was a lot of work to be done. I helped do research for my MEP, I wrote amendments for different fields of the EU such as woman’s rights, I helped write speeches for my MEP for her meetings, and I attended meetings that the MEP or assistant could not attend.

Best part: It truly was the most incredible work experience I’ve had thus far. I always knew I wanted to work in the field of international law, but I was not quite sure what I wanted to do exactly. Most importantly, my colleagues in the Romanian office were such amazing people to work with and always were there to answer any questions I had. It has also made my career path much clearer.

Job:  I interned at the Office of the Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection in the summer of 2013. 

Duties:  I was responsible for calling companies, summarizing cases, and starting up case files on consumer specific complaints. I was actively involved in litigating claims against alleged fraudulent companies who may have injured others.  

Best Part: I had a very fulfilling experience and gained a strong understanding of consumer protections laws, and now I see a possible future in a similar field. I would recommend an internship like this one to anybody who is interested in getting involved in consumer protection - you will learn a lot very quickly.