This past summer, UBSPI (in conjunction with the Maryland Legal Services Corporation and the University of Baltimore School of Law), funded 15 UB Law students to intern at public interest organizations to gain first-hand legal experience serving a variety of communities. Over the next few months, their stories will be highlighted on Out in the Streets.
1Ls and 2Ls: Are you interested in applying for a $4,000 grant to support your public interest work this summer? Applications for 2012 grants are available here. Remember: Much of our funding comes from our annual public interest auction, to be held this year on March 9.
Nicole Harris-Crest, 2L, University of Baltimore School of Law - Office of the Public Defender, Juvenile Division
My summer internship with the Office of the Public Offender (OPD) was a rewarding experience. My work in the Juvenile Division of the OPD provided me with a new perspective regarding public interest work. I was fortunate to work with many attorneys who were passionate about their work. Lack of resources and large caseloads are just among a few of the obstacles public defenders face, but many have years of experience that allow them to overcome these challenges. Often time the stigma is that public defenders are not “real” attorneys. However, I recognized this was not the case. I worked alongside attorneys who worked diligently to provide their clients with the best possible legal representation. As a result, I had the opportunity to complete legal research and writing, witness prep, and received a crash course in evidentiary issues before even taking a course in evidence.
Nicole Harris-Crest, 2L, University of Baltimore School of Law - Office of the Public Defender, Juvenile Division
My summer internship with the Office of the Public Offender (OPD) was a rewarding experience. My work in the Juvenile Division of the OPD provided me with a new perspective regarding public interest work. I was fortunate to work with many attorneys who were passionate about their work. Lack of resources and large caseloads are just among a few of the obstacles public defenders face, but many have years of experience that allow them to overcome these challenges. Often time the stigma is that public defenders are not “real” attorneys. However, I recognized this was not the case. I worked alongside attorneys who worked diligently to provide their clients with the best possible legal representation. As a result, I had the opportunity to complete legal research and writing, witness prep, and received a crash course in evidentiary issues before even taking a course in evidence.
I am forever grateful to UBSPI because I am not certain I would have had the means to take an internship in public interest without the grant. Overall, I enjoyed my internship experience. I affirmed my interest in litigation and strengthened many of the skills necessary for trial work. Although I would not choose a career in criminal law, this internship helped me to realize the needs of our community, and the need for individuals committed to public interest work, especially among individuals within the legal field. Most of all, this internship experience encouraged me to think outside of myself and consider the lives of others. No longer will my future career goals simply include pursuing a career in litigation, but also giving back to my community and helping others.
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