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An internship in the justice system is an opportunity like no other- a unique chance to witness
professionals in their day-to-day lives, learn the intricacies of legal processes, and even be a part
of the justice being served. For those interested in public advocacy and service, criminal justice,
or any form of law enforcement, being an intern for the justice system can change your life and
is only available to a select few. Over the summer, I had the privilege to intern under Justice
Michelle Keller of the Kentucky Supreme Court in a civil legal aid program called the Access to
Justice Commission. This nonprofit organization is built solely on pro-bono attorneys who
dedicate their time to offering legal information and resources to low-income and other
vulnerable people.
Here’s a glimpse into what a typical day in my life looked like:
9:30 AM – Arriving at the Courthouse
Walking into the Kenton County courthouse, you must first get through security. All of the
officers are kind, efficient, and personable, and they loved to joke about my attendance at the
University of Louisville. It was always nice to talk to someone about my day ahead or see if I
was excited for the upcoming Cardinal football season. As I made my way through security, I
would see lawyers in sharp suits, answer clients' questions about where their respective
courtrooms were, and then make my way to the second-floor law library where my designated
desk was. My two advisors greet me and give me the rundown for the day. Most times, it’s clear
that the pro bono attorneys are limited, so we plan accordingly.
10:00 AM – First Clients
The workload is heavy, and the pressure is immense, and at 10:00 AM, the doors open. Over
time, we have noticed that clients will come in earlier and earlier, so this start time would
fluctuate. My job was as people would come in, I would greet them and have them sign in. This
was typically for our legal records, which I was also in charge of, and then their wait began. The
waiting room just outside of the library was filled with no two people alike. One man is on his
lunch break from his job at the local electric company and needs to file for divorce. The woman
next to him just got out of the hospital and doesn’t know how she will pay her medical expenses.
Across from them is a family there to support their minor who has to appear in court. All from
different backgrounds and there for various reasons; the one thing I know is they need help.
Brave enough to come to an aid center for a system that has failed them.
11:00 AM – Running Errands
We have now been open for around one hour, and the waiting list is full. We try to get through as
many people a day, but with limited lawyers specializing in certain areas of law, it can be
difficult. One man in particular comes into the library looking at a loss and frustrated. I came to
find out that he had been at the Center for over two hours, sent back and forth from the law
clerks on the fourth floor to us at least three times. My knowledge of the legal system was
limited, but one thing I did know was that his experience was unacceptable. Despite how busy I
was, nothing stopped me from taking a trip two floors up to the Family Clerk's office, where I
became a mediator between the two parties. After a clarifying discussion, I could print the papers
he needed to file and remedy the situation. But this was not something he could have done; half
of what the clerks were instructed to do used legal jargon I had never heard before. Indeed, only
a student who had been to law school could understand.
12:00 PM – Cookie Break and Visitors
Back in the office, we do not have a set “break”, there is no time. If you can sneak away to take a
moment, then do so because it is not often available. As the team loses steam, Justice Keller’s
assistant and friend, Kathy, stops by to say hello. With her, each day, without a doubt, was a plate
of homemade chocolate chip cookies for everyone. I do not think a day passed when I did not
have at least five palm-sized treats she provided. I got quite close with some of the volunteer law
students working for Legal Aid of the Bluegrass across the street. Our conversations were filled
with laughter but often turned to the stark disparities we’ve witnessed. One day, in particular, a
family lawyer joined us in between bookshelves to sneak a cookie. She shared her frustration
with the system and how taxing it can be to work in this field. But helping others and doing good
makes it all worth it. Then again, there's nothing a homemade chocolate chip cookie can’t fix.
1:00 PM – Translating the System, Name by Name
Back to work, and as we make our way through the list of clients, it comes to my attention that a
woman has come to the Center at least half a dozen times for aid- she does not speak English.
The issue is that none of the volunteers or other interns talk in her native tongue, but ensuring
everyone has equal access to justice is crucial. Google translate has now become an accustomed
use for instances like this. Not only is learning legal jargon and complex procedures like learning
a second language, but it is even harder when a barrier like this is more than common in the legal
system. One day, it will be expected to provide accurate translations of legal documents, offer
interpreters in courtrooms, and ensure that legal rights are clearly communicated to help bridge
this gap. Until then, a client is a client; our job is to ensure they receive the proper legal care they
need.
2:00 PM – Case Management: Just Another Name
Later in the day, I help my mentor manage cases and research files for ongoing cases. This aspect
of my internship was a hands-on way to learn how lawyers build a case. The case itself only
presents half the story; in the other half, you have to ask questions and interact with the clients to
actually be able to help. Between this and checking off the individuals that have come in that
day, one thing stands out: the names. After so long, they all begin to bleed together. Each
background is so different, with the occasional story I will never forget. But over time, it is the
biases we cannot ignore.
3:00 PM – End of the Day Reflection: The System Weighs Unevenly
As I wrap up the day, collect all the files, and depart the courthouse, I say goodbye to my
advisors and the security officers who welcomed me. I can’t help but reflect on the deep
disparities I witnessed. From family court to probate, there was not a case I will forget. Two
months out of my internship, I still think about the woman I held after she filed a restraining
order against her son’s father or the retired man who was forced to evict his son so he could pay
his bills. All cases proved one thing true: the justice system is far from the equalizer it’s meant to
be. Instead, it’s a system where race, money, and privilege play a disproportionate role in
determining outcomes.
At the start of this internship, I was eager to learn about being a lawyer, and now I’m leaving
with a more profound understanding of how, indeed, left behind the majority of the population is
in the ever-changing legal system. For the wealthy few, justice bends. For the poor, it often
breaks.
What I learned-
The purpose of internships is to expose you to the reality of a profession so you can get a true
idea of if that area is something you want to pursue as a career. In my time interning for the
Kentucky Access to Justice Commission, I did just that. I was able to observe lawyers and law
clerks in their natural environment, learn the inner operations of the justice system, and be a part
of the change they are making. My life will never be the same, but not just for the purposes of a
career. I also have a newfound understanding of how lucky I am to learn the legal process that is
the foundation of everyday life. I know exactly what happens when you walk into a courtroom,
have to battle being served, or even serve another individual. But that is not the case for
everyone.
One of the most important things I learned was the meaning of a system. In this case, the justice
system favors the few, like myself, exposed to these inner workings. As an intern, I don’t yet
have the power to change this system, but what I can do is shine a light on the disservice many
feel when they walk into a courthouse. Is there an answer to this problem? Not one that I know
of. I will continue to ponder on that, and as time goes on, perhaps one day, I will have the power
to contribute to my community and beyond to solve this problem.
Until then, I continue to educate myself and do things like write a blog to bring awareness and
equate others about organizations like the Access to Justice Commission and the work they are
actively putting in. If you are looking to receive legal advice, visit here, if you are like me and
are interested in getting involved, visit here, and if you are practicing law and want to help,
consider balancing out the scale that represents the legal system. “Do good. Do justice. Do pro
bono.”
