Working with an ADA, reading different case files, watching court, helping to assist my supervisor’s entire department (Domestic Violence) in their paper work and watching them present cases.
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Pay attention to everything and really take in the experience, although sometimes paperwork seems like busy work, read though the things you’re filing you will learn a lot. And really enjoy the experience of watching court, test yourself, see if you can predict who is going to win the case and why.
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Legal Intern
June - August 2018 • Worcester, MA
What I liked
I was afforded an extremely hands-on experience. As a pre-law student, the amount of time I was able to spend in the courtroom observing actual legal procedures of all sorts was invaluable. I was permitted to ask as many questions of the ADA with which I worked as I could come up with and could not have asked for a more personalized experience.
What I wish was different
Truthfully, the only alteration I would like to have made pertain to the time of year I was able to sit as an intern. Given the trial schedule in Massachusetts Superior Court, I wasn't able to witness many in-depth trials. I saw a few, but the ADA for which I directly worked specialized in murder and arson cases and, while I was able to observe courtroom motions, interviews, evidence, etc., I did not get to see a full-fledged murder or arson trial.
Advice
Be prepared to work and pay as close of attention as possible. Everyone in this office is incredibly friendly and LOVE having interns around to help out with some of their casework. They appreciate the great work we get from them and, especially considering the fact that they can't pay us, are extraordinarily accommodating when it comes to answering questions and preparing students for a profession in the legal field.
