My MLK Jr. Summer Internship was an amazing experience,
affording me the opportunity to observe skilled attorneys in action, while
interacting directly with clients. The first month and a half of my
placement was spent familiarizing myself with juvenile law, attending
numerous dependency hearings, and discussing the status of court-ordered
services with clients.
Despite the many obstacles these clients encountered in life, many did
the very best they could with completing court-ordered services. Through the
client contacts I made and the knowledge I gained, I learned that the
government needs to invest greater capital in drug and alcohol
rehabilitation programs, mental health treatment facilities, employment
training, and housing programs. These programs appeared to be limited in
geographic scope and lacking in financial resources. I am now convinced that
such programs are necessary as they greatly benefit the parents and children
involved in dependency matters.
I also participated in a number of PFA client interviews and settlement
negotiations, and observed a handful of PFA hearings. While a sensitive
subject, it was gratifying to work directly with the clients in an effort to
obtain protection from abuse orders, evicting the abusers/defendants from
the home and protecting the plaintiffs from any further physical and mental
abuse.
The clients I interacted with this summer taught me the importance of
listening and making a sincere effort of placing myself in their shoes and
viewing life from their perspective. Behind every client represented by
legal aid there is a story to be told and a voice that needs to be heard.
Despite ones views on the types of clients legal aid represents, these
individuals deserve equal and open access to the legal system irrespective
of their social and economic status.
My summer internship introduced me first hand to the economic and social
disparity that exists in America between those with the financial means to
afford legal services and the poor. Although there is a deep gulf that
permeates our society, it was uplifting to work around a group of attorneys
who were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, compassionate, and more than willing
to share with me their knowledge of the law and society. I am grateful to
all of those who I came in contact with this summer.
