Working with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office this summer has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences I’ve had legally thus far. I was placed with the Department of Human Services, where I worked directly with the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, Legal Services Unit. Most of our cases involved Children in Need of Assistance (CINA) and Termination of Parental Rights (TPR). These were tough cases, but the goal was always clear, to protect the children of Baltimore City and ensure their safety. Even playing a small role in that process motivated me to pursue litigation and public service in the future.
From day one, I was pulled right into real litigation work. I drafted motions, reviewed CPS files, and sat in on strategy meetings with attorneys before trial. I also observed hearings and trials, which gave me a much clearer sense of how cases move through the system compared to how we learn them in class. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that preparation really is everything. Watching attorneys prepare witnesses, organize exhibits, and anticipate every angle of a case before stepping into court is a lesson, I will carry with me into practice.
The adjudication hearings stood out the most. In some cases, the parties settled on the facts in the petition, which avoided trial and allowed the case to move forward more smoothly. When that didn’t happen, I saw how quickly things became intense in the courtroom. One time I was even kicked out of the courtroom at the mother’s request. However, contributing to the case preparation by organizing case files and drafting background notes helped me appreciate how much behind the scenes work supports what happens before the magistrate.
I also observed review hearings that occur six or ten months after trial. These reviews serve as checkpoints to ensure children in BCDSS care remain in safe placements and have a plan moving forward. Seeing the long-term nature of these cases made me realize how different family law is from other areas and it isn’t just “one and done.” It requires consistent attention, follow-up, and genuine care for the children involved.
One of the most meaningful parts of my internship was the mentorship I received from my supervising attorneys, Lisa Walker, Maria Martinez, and Adia Moore. Despite managing heavy caseloads, they always took the time to explain strategies, answer my many questions, and provide thoughtful feedback on my writing and research. Their willingness to teach while balancing so much inspired me and gave me greater confidence in my own abilities. What I admired most though, was their dedication to reunifying children with their parents whenever it was safe and appropriate. While some cases involved parents who, for the well-being of the child, should not regain custody, many others were different. Witnessing my supervisors approach those situations with compassion by working alongside parents’ attorneys to support reunification, when possible, spoke volumes about both their character and the type of attorneys they strive to be. Even though my internship has ended, I plan to carry the lessons they taught me and continue building those relationships throughout law school and my career.
One of the hardest parts of the internship was seeing how many new cases came in each week. On average, the attorneys in the office received about 20 new cases weekly. It was an unfortunate reminder of how much need exists in Baltimore City, but also motivating. Each case represented a child who deserved safety and stability, and knowing I played even a small role in that process was deeply meaningful.
Looking back, this internship solidified a lot for me. I came in wanting exposure to litigation, and I left not only with hands-on experience but also with a genuine interest in family law and trial work. The combination of practical learning, courtroom exposure, and mentorship made this one of the best parts of my law school journey so far. While I cannot share written work product due to confidentiality, I look forward to discussing my experience in more depth.
