Georgia County Internship Spotlight

GCIP Internships Provide Hands-On Experiences for Law Students

For many law students, summer internships are a bridge between the classroom and the real world, transforming their hours of study into hands-on legal experience. Law students who participated in the Georgia County Internship Program last summer gained a unique opportunity to work directly with judges, county attorneys, and court staff. Across the state, the following students didn’t just observe the legal process – they actively contributed to critical legal work in local government and made a tangible impact on counties.

Fayette County

In Fayette County, two University of Georgia second-year law students completed legal internships. Dresden Lee Day interned in the Fayette County State Court, where she quickly realized just how busy local courts can be. Her responsibilities included drafting criminal and civil orders, conducting legal research, and scheduling court orders. “My legal research and writing skills got a well-needed workout,” she reflected. Though challenging, the experience was deeply rewarding, and Lee noted how her growth in writing and research will be crucial as she works towards being an attorney. Beyond building her skills, Day developed a newfound appreciation for local government legal work, even considering a future career in county law. “I think it’s important to give back and stay connected to your community,” she noted.

Abigail Nand, a fellow UGA law student, also interned in Fayette County. Nand interned with the public defender’s office and learned in-depth information about the county criminal justice system, from magistrate and superior courts to the inner workings of county jails. Nand’s tasks were hands-on—filing motions and pleas, arguing bond motions, and visiting clients in jail.

Through her work, Nand sharpened her negotiation and public speaking skills, deepened her understanding of court decorum, and honed her organizational abilities. She even had the opportunity to assist with major cases and helped to resolve a theft case outside of trial. “We successfully argued bond on several occasions and negotiated extensively with the district attorney to resolve situations,” she said. In addition to her skills and experiences, Nand finished her internship with a new interest in working in county government in the future.

Macon-Bibb County

For Grace Choi, a second-year law student at Emory University, interning with the Macon-Bibb County Attorney’s Office was a chance to transition from private law firm experience in New York to local public service. She specifically sought out the internship to “gain more exposure to new things” in the legal field.

Choi’s days as an intern varied. She participated in traffic court cases, criminal trials, and commission meetings, shadowing county attorneys as they worked. Her internship also included unique experiences, like riding along with officers patrolling school speed zones and attending a firefighter interview. Throughout the internship, Choi remained curious about local government and took the opportunity to ask lots of questions. She also developed new skills, such as drafting county ordinances and resolutions. Reflecting on her experience, Choi shared that her time with the county reminded her to explore fields she hadn’t previously considered, inspiring her to further pursue opportunities in the public sector.

Meriwether County

Meriwether County native Brittany Carter returned home for the summer to intern with Probate Court Judge John Rasnick. A second-year law student at Mercer University, Carter saw her internship as a special opportunity to apply her legal education while contributing to her community.

Carter’s work with Judge Rasnick was hands-on and helped her further develop key skills in legal research, writing, and critical thinking. Carter participated in courtroom proceedings and worked closely with Judge Rasnick to draft court orders. She also practiced administering oaths, issuing gun and marriage licenses, and probating wills and estates. One particularly memorable moment came when she had the chance to create her own marriage license during her internship.

Carter reflected that one of the most important takeaways from her internship was learning about how judges make decisions and approach their rulings. “I believe these skills will be extremely helpful because they will help me prepare to go in front of a judge and make me a better writer,” Carter said. Her experience reaffirmed her career aspirations, and she now plans to seriously consider a future in county government.

To learn more about the GCIP, please visit our website at www.accg.org/caf_index.php.

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