Welcome to the Criminal Law & Trial Internship!

This past Sunday, Leadership Initiatives proudly welcomed its newest group of interns to Georgetown University for the launch of the Criminal Law Internship Program. The energy on campus was electric as students arrived, filled with excitement, curiosity, and anticipation. After settling into their dorms, interns eagerly began mingling, swapping stories, sharing snacks, and exploring the charming Georgetown neighborhood. Whether indulging in a sweet treat from Georgetown Cupcakes or browsing the university bookstore, the interns quickly began forming bonds and building a welcoming community.

Later in the afternoon, with their blue program shirts, students gathered in the auditorium for the official kickoff event. Executive Director Marshall Bailly opened the program with a powerful keynote address, highlighting the goals of the week and the meaningful work that lay ahead. He urged students to embrace each day with intention, emphasizing their unique ability to create positive change.

DC Lawyer Brandi Harden followed with an inspiring talk on the role of advocacy and the importance of bringing change through legal work. Her words encouraged students to use their voices to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves, leaving the students with new excitement and purpose. They meet their teams and team leads and begin forming new connections and friendships that will flourish throughout the week. 

That evening, interns enjoyed a laid-back pizza dinner before heading out for a tour of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic monuments. Stops included the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and World War II Memorial. As they took in the rich history and symbolism of each site, students continued building connections in a setting that blended reflection with excitement.

Back at the dorms, the evening wound down with conversations among roommates and quiet time to prepare for the journey ahead. With a week full of leadership, learning, and growth on the horizon, interns turned in for the night, ready to begin a transformative experience the following morning.