Haley, a member of our MyLLife Scholars 2023 Cohort, shared her Summer internship experience with us:
I am a rising 3L at George Mason University Law School. Prior to law school, I went to the University of Pittsburgh and studied Political Science and Legal Studies. I am from the northern Virginia area and plan to practice law in Virginia once I graduate. As a part of the MyLLife Scholars Program, I have been working at the Crime and Justice Institute. The Crime and Justice Institute is a nonprofit organization that provides technical assistance to stakeholders within the criminal justice system to identify problems and recommend policy solutions.
During this experience, I have completed report summaries on Diversion Programs, Justice Reinvestment Initiatives, Reentry Plans, and Community Assessments. I have conducted statutory research on jail trusts in Oklahoma, case law research on excessive bail and legislative research on bills introduced in the 2023 legislative session in Louisiana, and research on the procedures for competency restoration. I have conducted outreach to judges and District Attorneys in Oklahoma and Louisiana. Finally, I have reviewed data presentations and system assessment interviews from stakeholders to assist in identifying problem definitions and policy recommendations. This work has been extremely meaningful to me as a I explore the gaps in the criminal justice system nationwide. As an aspiring Public Defender, the perspective and skills this experience has given me will help me assist indigent clients navigate the complex criminal justice system.
Thank you, Haley, for sharing your experience!
