My Experience As A Legal Intern
By Gregory S. Parker, Sr., Class of 2004
I was really excited about being able to put legal theory into practice this Spring in the Clinic. I approached this experience as if I were operating my own firm. The Law Clinic has really lived up to all of my expectations and I believe it has prepared me for the actual practice of law. I will always remember my first interview with a client and my first visit to the Department of Corrections to visit a client. It was an experience unlike any other. I now understand that the practice of law is a privilege, because we are dealing with real people who have real problems. Many of the clients in the Law Clinic are poor, and without us, they would not be able to afford competent legal representation. Fortunately, the Clinic does exist for them. By forming a partnership with the community, the community gets free competent legal services while legal interns get the opportunity to strengthen their skills before graduation. It is truly special to know that the future of someone's life depends on your proper representation. We have a tremendous responsibility in ensuring that people’s rights are protected.
The professors at the Law Clinic are truly the best in their different areas of expertise. They have really been a tremendous help to my growth and development as a future practitioner of the law. The support staff in the Law Clinic was an information source that I found to be invaluable. Their doors were always open to me when I had questions. They are truly the gatekeepers of information and without them, life in the Law Clinic would be very difficult.
As I approach the end of my career as a law student, I will always treasure my experience in the Law Clinic. The skill and knowledge that I have gained from working in the Law Clinic will serve me well as a practitioner of the law. The Law Clinic has truly given me an advantage in my profession over those who have not had the clinical experience.
