A Monumental Welcome: First Day of the Criminal Law Internship Program

On Sunday, Leadership Initiatives kicked off the Criminal Law Internship Program by welcoming its newest group of interns to Georgetown University. From the moment students arrived, the campus was alive with enthusiasm and anticipation. Once they settled into their dorms, interns began connecting right away, chatting over snacks, getting to know one another, and strolling through the historic Georgetown neighborhood. Some grabbed a treat from Georgetown Cupcakes, others explored the university bookstore, and all began laying the foundation for a week of connection and collaboration.

In the afternoon, interns suited up in their blue program shirts and made their way to the auditorium for the official program launch. Executive Director Marshall Bailly opened with a moving keynote, encouraging students to seize each opportunity and reminding them of the real impact they could make during the week and beyond. His message set the tone: this wasn’t just an internship, it was a call to lead with purpose.

Next, DC-based attorney Brandi Harden took the stage to deliver a powerful message about the importance of advocacy in the legal field. She challenged students to stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves and use their knowledge and passion to spark change. Her words resonated deeply, inspiring interns as they met their teams and began forming new friendships that would carry through the program.

That evening, the group gathered for a casual pizza dinner, followed by a scenic nighttime tour of some of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic monuments. They visited the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and World War II Memorial, soaking in the history and reflecting on their purpose for the week ahead.

Back at the dorms, the night wrapped up with quiet conversations and a sense of calm anticipation. With new connections forming and a week full of learning, leadership, and growth just beginning, the interns rested up, ready to dive into the transformational experience ahead.