young man smiling.

Michael Taylor '26

Savino Family Summer Fellowship

Organization: Chambers of Hon. Frank Caruso, New York State Supreme Court

How would you describe your experience?

Young man standingin front of a window, next to a gold emblam that says State of New York Supreme Court.

I would describe this summer as a great practical experience. Working for Judge Caruso, I was given the opportunity to review motions, summarize each party's position, and provide an analysis and recommendation. I also assisted with drafting decisions. It was a chance to both exercise my writing skills and to see a good amount of what written work produced by attorneys actually looks like. It was also an opportunity to see some of how the legal process unfolds from the court's point of view.

What impacted you the most?

What impacted me the most was listening to the judge read what sounded like my work when giving a judgment. It made me feel as though I had produced quality work, and it inspired me to continue.         

Having the chance to assist with drafting opinions was also impactful. I would not have predicted at the beginning of the summer that I would be writing drafts of decisions!  The feeling that I was producing important work made the practice of law real to me.

What would you like to share with our donors?

I would like to thank the Savino Family for providing me with funds to support my unpaid internship. Without your gift, I would have ended up juggling a part-time job with this internship. Instead, I was able to pursue the opportunity full-time. I hope the donors continue to fund these fellowships so that students who desire to do an unpaid internship are still able to. There are many students who would only be able to do unpaid work if they receive fellowship support.