Fellowship Provides Many Learning Opportunities

This summer I was employed at the Saint Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office. The office prosecutes for the City of St. Louis. This position allowed me so many learning opportunities. Unlike many of my fellow law students, I had absolutely no legal experience prior to law school. The internship at the Circuit Attorney’s Office was easily one of the best learning experiences I have ever had. 

During my internship, I was allowed to be a part of every aspect of trial. I attended pretrial meetings with the defense attorney and the judge inside the judge’s chamber. The first trial I second-chaired was a felony domestic assault in the first degree. One of the most important things I learned from my first trial was the importance of voir dire. It is one thing to learn about the aspects of voir dire in civil procedure, but it is completely different to see the process play out in front of you. For this trial, I was also able to be present for witness interviews, opening statements, direct and cross-examination, jury instructions and closing arguments. The trial only lasted for three days, but I am strongly convinced it was the most educational three days of my life. 

The Saint Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office hires a majority of their future attorneys from their internship program. Since I had received the Molly Shi and David Boren Public Service Fellowship, I was able to work full time at my internship. The ability to commit so much time to the office allowed me to show my dedication to my internship. I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity and was financially able to commit to the fullest.