2025 Summer Public Interest Fellow

How would you describe your experience?

My experience this summer was both highly educational and genuinely entertaining. Spending the summer immersed in a wide array of litigation, both criminal and civil, provided a crash course in federal court procedure. Observing proceedings in person allowed me to connect the concepts and terminology I learned in law school to their real-world applications, helping solidify those topics in my mind through lived experience.

One of the most valuable aspects of the internship was the opportunity to hear Judge Sinatra's reflections immediately after court sessions. His willingness to explain the legal and procedural issues we had just observed offered a unique and insightful window into the judicial decision-making process.

Beyond the assignments, the internship was simply fascinating. We witnessed numerous high-profile cases, sentencings, and a few moments of classic courtroom drama. Often, we saw things unfold hours before they made the news. The emotional intensity was palpable not just from defendants and their families, but also from attorneys and even the judges. No two days were the same, and the sheer variety of cases and fact patterns kept each day fresh and engaging. It was a rare privilege to look forward to showing up every morning, eager to see what would unfold in court. That excitement, combined with the depth of the learning experience, made this an unforgettable summer.

What impacted you the most?

Hearing about sentencing or harm to victims in the abstract is one thing, but seeing it unfold in real time is something else entirely. It's a visceral, human experience. Watching victims' families emotions and reactions in the courtroom was a powerful reminder of the real-world impact that the work of the courts and attorneys has on individuals and communities.

This experience also gave me a new appreciation for defense attorneys. Observing their interactions with clients and their tireless advocacy was truly inspirational. It underscored how essential their role is in ensuring fairness and dignity in the process, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Perhaps most unexpectedly, this role also helped me develop empathy for some of the defendants. Seeing someone at their lowest point evokes a level of emotional understanding that a news article or case summary simply cannot convey. It's a stark reminder that those who stand accused or convicted are human too, and that their actions, as well as their punishment, affects not only victims but families, but themselves and the whole community as well.

What would you like to share with our donors?

I want to sincerely thank Kristin Graham Koehler and David K. Koehler for providing me with this incredible opportunity. My experience at the Federal Courts this summer has been truly invaluable, and it would have been significantly more difficult to fully take advantage of it without your support.

After a ten-year career in sales, I made the decision to return to law school. As someone a bit further along in life, moving in with my parents for the summer wasn't an option. With age comes additional responsibilities, and the financial obligations that accompany them. The fellowship support made it possible for me to remain in my apartment and cover essential living expenses and bills, which relieved a significant source of stress.

That support didn't just make the internship financially viable, it made it more meaningful. I was able to focus entirely on the work and on absorbing everything this experience had to offer, rather than being distracted by the financial strain that often comes with unpaid legal internships. Because of this, I've been able to realize the full benefit of my time at the courthouse and deeply engage with the work and learning opportunities available to me.

Thank you again for making this experience possible.