From Our Students: Summer Internship with Jefferson County DA’s Office

Prior to applying for a summer internship, I reflected on what areas of law interested me and what would be the ideal setting for my career goals. I believed this would be a District Attorney's office, so I decided to reach out to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office in my hometown, where I hoped to build my career after graduation. After contacting them and submitting my application materials, I was invited for an interview. A week later, I received an offer for the position and finalized my summer schedule.

Another method to find an internship is through the School of Law’s internal job board, LOCK, which is updated by the Career Services Office (CSO). The wonderful thing about LOCK is that you can filter job listings based on the type of law, the location of the position, and the internship’s start date. LOCK features internships from all over the country, including both in-person and remote opportunities. Additionally, CSO hosts a Career Fair each year where firms, district attorneys’ offices, and other legal agencies from across the state come together. This event allows students to gather information about available internships and enables agencies to put a face to the name when applications are reviewed.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to secure a summer internship is through networking! During my undergraduate years, I learned the value of these opportunities at events hosted by Phi Alpha Delta. Networking can reveal openings not publicly advertised and provides a less formal way to connect with potential employers. For example, a classmate secured an interview with a prestigious Buffalo firm after meeting an attorney at a law school event. You never know where a connection might lead! Additionally, networking helps build confidence and communication skills.

The school organizes many networking events during your first year, such as the Law Alumni Association Welcome Reception, the Hodgson Russ 1L Reception, and the Mentor Matching Reception. I attended many of these events my 1L year, and it was greatly beneficial. 

Preparation for an interview is key. One piece of advice I received in undergrad was to research the organization to which I was applying. Who works there? What type of practice areas do they cover? Is there anything specific that stands out that I would like to mention in the interview? Reflecting on this research in my interview showed that I was prepared and demonstrated my genuine interest in the firm. The interview itself should be conversational, so I try to avoid repeating my cover letter or résumé verbatim. I ensured I was familiar with everything on my résumé if asked but remembered that they already had my résumé and cover letter.

I always ask three questions at the end of an interview. They are interviewing me as much as I am interviewing them. Since I may potentially work there, I want to know about the culture, the workload, my daily tasks, and anything else that may be important to me. One of the standard questions I usually ask the interviewer is, “Why did you decide to work here?”

I have always wanted to help those in need. While I’m unsure where this drive originated, it was often recognized with "Most Helpful" awards at various school ceremonies. I believe this desire to assist others led me to criminal law. Before starting law school, I worked at both a criminal defense firm and a district attorney's office. My experience at the DA’s office fulfilled my need to help others more than the defense firm did. This is not to say that criminal defense firms don't help people, but the impact I witnessed at the DA’s office felt greater. Additionally, I found the supportive team culture at the DA’s office more enjoyable. Although the workload can be intense, the collaborative environment ensures that everyone contributes, whether it's covering court appearances or editing motions. Senior attorneys are consistently available to mentor new attorneys, making the experience more practical and involved. The DA’s office offers a more hands-on experience because attorneys are in the courtroom daily. Unlike the infrequent court visits at a defense firm, interns at the DA’s office can attend court to watch hearings, arguments, trials, etc. 

Each day I arrive at the office at 8:30 am, check my email, and review the calendar for city court. Shortly after, Watertown City Court starts at 9 am. Criminal matters are first, ranging from violations to felonies. These matters could include arraignments, reports on fine money or community service, or adjournments following the arraignment. After the criminal calendar is complete, traffic infractions are next. Handling a traffic infraction is usually straightforward—it’s almost like a formula. Depending on the nature of the ticket and the reasons for it, an attorney can better determine if a reduction is warranted and what it will be reduced to.

Sometimes, there is a preliminary hearing after court. After the arraignment of a felony, a defendant will decide if they want a preliminary hearing. This hearing allows the judge to assess whether there is probable cause (a reasonable belief) to believe a crime was committed. The defendant can attend and testify, but the prosecution must present evidence to establish probable cause; the defense is not required to present evidence. If the judge finds probable cause, the case moves to a Grand Jury for potential indictment. If not, the charges may be dropped, or the charges might be reduced if a different offense is revealed. After court had concluded, I would then return to the office and work on various projects. These ranged from conducting legal research and submitting memos to the attorneys, working on motions, entering notes into the Prosecutor Case Management System, listening to jail calls, or watching body camera footage from law enforcement.

If I completed my projects, I could attend any afternoon court proceedings. This included Jefferson County Court, Drug Court, or any of the town courts. Below is a brief overview of each:

• County Court: This court has jurisdiction to handle higher-level offenses, such as felonies and misdemeanors.
• Drug Treatment Court (DTC): DTC is an alternative court for defendants facing felony or misdemeanor charges where drug addiction is a component of the offense. Participants in the DTC program who successfully complete it may have their charges dismissed or reduced, or they may receive a reduction in their sentence. DTC is very informal compared to regular court and meets every two weeks. Attendees include the defendant, an assistant district attorney, probation/parole officers, the judge, and counselors from substance abuse and mental health programs. The goal is to help individuals get back on track and reintegrate into society without a criminal record hindering their progress.
• Town Courts: There is a court in every town in the county. Town courts usually meet twice a month, but an assistant district attorney only appears once a month. These courts have limited jurisdiction, primarily handling traffic infractions, but also dealing with violations and misdemeanors that occur within the town.

My day would end around 4:30 pm, unless I stayed late to continue working on a project. As an intern I was never expected to stay late, but the additional work was always appreciated by the attorneys.

One of the highlights of my internship at the DA’s office was receiving a practice order. This opportunity let me step into the courtroom and represent the DA’s office in both city and town courts, all while being guided by one of the experienced attorneys. It was incredibly valuable, as it gave me firsthand experience with courtroom dynamics and significantly boosted my confidence.

For research, I was tasked with legal issues related to arson, “Raise the Age” laws, the difference between attempted strangulation in the first and second degrees, calculating the speedy trial clock and its start date, obscenity and its qualifications, and the elements of a terroristic threat, among others. The research in criminal law is vast and sometimes endless, but it is also very interesting.

This summer, I also had the opportunity to work on an appeal. I met with the attorney who handles appeals to review the appeal process and the issues on appeal. Fortunately, I had experience writing appellate briefs from my participation in Appellate Advocacy and Advanced Legal Analysis Writing and Research. Following this meeting, I researched and drafted my appeal. With the assistance of the attorney, we edited and submitted my appeal to the Fourth Department Appellate Division. Working on this project allowed me to apply my research and writing skills while gaining further insight into the appeal process.

Interning at the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office the past two summers has deepened my commitment for justice and reinforced my passion for this work. If you find an internship that aligns with your goals, dive in- it could be the start of a meaningful career. However, remember that every experience, whether it affirms or alters your direction, is valuable. Continue exploring, stay curious, and let your passion drive you toward making a meaningful impact.