As a certified legal intern, I was authorized by the Florida Supreme Court to practice law under the supervision of a licensed attorney. At the public defender's office, I represented indigent criminally-accused clients through all aspects of their cases. Working closely with my co-counsel and assistant public defenders, I analyzed legal and evidentiary issues and developed the best trial strategy for our client. I investigated cases including visiting crime scenes, interviewing clients and witnesses, arranging plea deals, and drafting, filing and arguing motions. I sat first chair for a jury trial on charges of violating a domestic violence injunction and resisting arrest without violence. My co-counsel and I negotiated an agreement with the state attorney to not prosecute the injunction violation. In another case, my co-counsel and I successfully secured a nolle prosequi for a different client on charges of trespass and breaking and entering.

As a legal intern for the Honorable Pamela A.M. Campbell, I was directly involved with the daily operations of the court. I analyzed urgent case files and advised Judge Campbell on a proposed course of action while she was occupied with other duties. I provided researched answers to procedural and substantive legal issues and wrote memoranda as needed. Additionally, I assisted Judge Campbell by cross-checking and proofreading her judicial orders to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the court system. I developed an intimate understanding of the responsibilities and inner-workings of a robust state civil court.

As a legal intern, I reported directly to LT Bloomfield, the Officer in Charge of the Region Legal Service Office at this military installation. I assisted with the investigation and administrative processing of alleged and admitted service member criminal activity including sitting second chair during a formal investigatory hearing (Article 32) on a flight officer’s alleged drug use before a high ranking military judge. I oversaw research and outreach to local commands on legal issues such as the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the proliferation and dangers of synthetic marijuana drugs, and domestic violence education. Additionally, I developed and acquired evidence and created evidence notebooks for preliminary hearings regarding the administrative separation of service members.

Met with potential clients and assisted with intake interviews. Determined the facts of their case and their eligibility for free legal aid in foreclosure and landlord/tenant law issues.

While investigating employee claims of employment discrimination, I conducted client intake interviews and determined the direction of future investigation. I interacted directly with claimants, respondents and witnesses through in-person interviews, phone calls, and written communications. I drafted and submitted formal charges of discrimination against employers, requests for additional information from respondents, and notices of right to sue to claimants who established a prima facie case of discrimination. I also evaluated investigatory documents and wrote memoranda determining cause or no cause cases.

I was an integral member of consumer protection litigation team advocating rights of Florida consumers in Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act cases. In addition to writing memoranda of law on Florida civil procedure issues, I conducted analysis and organization of discovery. I also provided expert witness research and deposition preparation. I developed an understanding of litigation strategy and attended negotiations, depositions and hearings, including a hearing on a motion for sanctions against the opposing side.

Developed internal branding campaigns and produced high-quality designed documents. Researched, wrote, and edited content for 8-page, full color bleed newsletter

Wrote weekly stories including news, features and profiles including six articles that ran on the front page.