My internship project is one that I think is going to be really helpful. My office that I'm working in contains a lot of paper files containing information about clients and cases. When I say there are a lot of paper files, I really mean it. The amount of paper can become overwhelming really quickly. Seeing this I knew that I had to change something. I really have two projects I am going to be working on. The first project is setting up a drop box at the office can use the store documents digitally. This will ensure that if there is ever an event where paper files are lost or damaged, there will be a copy on standby where it can be easily accessed. It will also help with keeping files organized and ready for quick and easy viewing.
So far my internship has been really great. In the four days that I’ve been attending the internship, I’ve seen one hearing and listened in on what an attorney does with the client behind the scenes. All of this has been very interesting to me and I think that I’m going to greatly enjoy this month. I do have a lot of questions, but all of them are based upon the actual act of practicing law. I guess one question that I have thus far is about how long the average case lasts. I’ve heard of some cases that have lasted well over a year, and those cases, from what I’ve seen, have produced vast amounts of evidence and paper work that can aid the attorney in working to complete the case. I’m curious how long the cases last on average and how much information is needed to make them strong. The only connection that I can make with my internship and school is reading comprehension. In order to properly work on a case you have to read through hundreds of documents because they may contain the information that you need to create a strong case. Other than that, the work in school has in no way made any connection to my internship. I think that during the internship process I will begin to develop critical thinking skills. Later on I will be given opportunities to sit in with clients discussing their stories with the attorney, and I will be tasked with discussing with my mentor about what happened and whether or not he is telling the truth. This is definitely going to aid me with critical thinking because it will force me to listen to what the client says and process it in a way that allows me to vividly imagine what is happening.
As for a story of interest, I have one thing. On my second day I was able to go to court to witness a trial in person. That was a lot more than what I expected for my second day, and I really liked it. So there. What strikes you most about your workplace?
- It’s a really hard working environment with a lot of work that needs to be done, but it’s clear that the office still manages to have fun while working. This is surprising because the work is all so serious that it doesn’t seem like work that people would have fun with doing. What strikes you most about your colleagues? - I’ve been stricken that all of my colleagues are great people that all seem excited to help out an intern. This doesn’t really surprise me at all, but it strikes me because I would expect for all the people to be too busy with the work they’re doing to be able to show me around. What strikes you most about the job you're doing? - I’m stricken by how much work goes into planning a case. I knew before that a lot of work went into making a legal case, but I never realized that the amount of documents that needed to be studied and examined would be so plentiful. Even though there’s a lot to do, the work is still interesting which is something that strikes me as well. What are you excited about? - I’m excited about being able to learn different things about law while going to court visits on some days. I didn’t expect to be given the ability to go to court and see how things are run, and being given this opportunity has certainly excited me. What are you worried about? - At this point I can say that I'm not actually worried about anything 1. Why did choose to work at my office?
◊ Because I wanted to work for myself, so I could do things my way. 2. How did I end up doing what I do? ◊ I spent 4 years at Harvard being fed the Kool Aid that I was special and I had to do something extraordinary with my life. Thus there were three choices after an undergraduate degree: Law School, Business School or Medical School. I chose law-not with a burning passion, I just had to choose one of the three. The passion came later. 3. What are my main duties and responsibilities? ◊ To aid persons who are in trouble with the law and try to help them have the promise of a life after the criminal process is over. Best result is an acquittal. Such is not always possible. Also to pay the bills. 4. What should I know before starting work? ◊ You can’t do well unless you enjoy what you do. Having fun is not a sign of not caring or non-professionalism. 5. What is a typical work day like? ◊ Starts at 0800 and goes until the work is finished. In my case that is a 7 day a week process. Lots of online research and communication-clients, potential clients, the court, the opposition. Some meetings with clients and appearing in court. 6. Purpose of the organization? ◊ To serve the needs of clients by defending them against accusations of wrongdoing. 7. How important is getting along? ◊ The essence of practicing criminal law is selling yourself and your client’s causes. If you don’t get along, no sales occur. 8. What other traits. skills or knowledge are important? ◊ Intelligence, salesmanship, being able to listen with insight, empathy, ability to be non-judgmental, passion for the law and the cause of your client, a nose for BS, integrity, a love of language, doggedness, a commitment to the community your serve and an ability to forgive your opponent are but a few. 9. A good ending question: ◊ Why haven’t I retired after almost 52 years of practicing law? It is a great marriage and I don’t want to leave it while I am still vertical. |
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