Asia was an undergraduate intern for the U.S. Attorney's Office during Fall 2023.
Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.
I was an intern for the Felony and Major Crimes Unit in D.C. I worked with Assistant US Attorneys to prepare evidence, discovery, and other information necessary for crimes being processed in the DC Superior Court. I've reviewed hundreds of body-worn camera footage, jail cell calls, and legal documents such as arrest warrants and gersteins. As I've worked closely with these attorneys, I've been able to grow my legal knowledge, research skills, and communication abilities through their close personal mentoring and teaching.
What did you learn on your internship that you were not expecting to learn?
I learned so much about the legal nuances that exist within the criminal litigation profession. This internship was incredibly hands-on and I feel I was able to learn an incredible lesson by participating in such a close way. I received the best pre-law legal experience that I've ever had and I just wished I could have stayed longer.
How have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?
I knew I wanted to attend law school but this internship helped me discover what type of law I would like to practice, as well as helping me find assurance that this is the field I would like to go into.
Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.
I received inspiration about my career path, as well as general guidance about my education and learning style that I couldn't have learned elsewhere.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
Absolutely. This internship changed the course of my academic plan and I feel that I learned more in 3 months than I have in my entire education so far. If anyone is considering law as a career and they're interested in litigation, they need to consider interning for a USAO or the DOJ.
Is there anything else you would like to say regarding your internship?
I really loved my time with the Washington Seminar and at my internship with the US Attorney's Office in Washington D.C. I can't recommend it enough and I'm very grateful to my college and advisors who helped me so I could participate.
