Looking Back/Overall Insight

 University of Michigan has prepared me for this internship by giving me a quality education.  My supervisor has had me spell-check some of the employees reports for errors.  During my courses at the University of Michigan I believe we have uncovered the errors of our society as well as produce solutions we think may help alleviate the problem.  I feel this is a step beyond what other Universities may do in just analyzing the problem itself.  This problem solving approach generated by theUniversity of Michigan has helped me to have a more proactive mind-set.  My liberal-arts education has helped to develop my reading comprehension and writing skills.  I believe these two skills are particularly important to be a successful attorney. 

There is one major event that I have found particularly interesting.  I have had the opportunity to sit in on a week long trial.  I had faith in the jury to make a decision based on evidence, science, and the law.  However, in my opinion, the jury decided on a terrible verdict without any basis on the case information, but rather with their personal opinions towards the counsel.  This was very discouraging and disappointing to me.  I was under the impression a jury would uphold their civic responsibility and serve the public but this did not seem to be the case whatsoever.  As an individual that wants to practice law I learned a big lesson in that courtroom over the week.  Now I understand this may not always be the case regarding jury verdicts, but I was astounded in their decision, considering the judge’s verdict was the complete opposite.  

Changing Perspectives

A few of my perceptions have changed from the time of my fist blog post and now, and a few have remained the same.  I still believe the environment I work in at the Attorney General’s office is very uplifting and positive and a place I hope to be in the future as a lawyer.  Many of my preconceived notions regarding law firms were that lawyers were “sharks” and were stressed out most of the time. Everyone I work with seems to always be in a pleasant mood and greet me everyday.  We’ve had one office lunch and beforehand, many people in the office wanted to make sure I was attending the lunch and that I knew it was okay for me to attend. Then afterwards made sure I had enough to eat and wanted to send me home with leftovers.  In my office, people look out for one another and want to help each other.  I have heard many stories about how at private law firms people are afraid they are after your job and are trying to go over your head.  I do not experience any of that at the Attorney General’s office.  In fact, many people have served as great mentors and resources for me to advance in my career. 

Overcoming Obstacles 

At this point in my internship I feel like I am getting along very well with my supervisor.  He said I am doing a good job in the office and is working on plans for me to do a future legal internship with the office when I am in law school.  Coming into this internship I had no prior knowledge on how to accomplish any jobs they have given me.  In that regard, I have surprised myself with how well I have handled various tasks. I've dealt with evidence and court runs, which I believe I handled well and very much enjoyed because these tasks have provided me insight into the functions of the office.  Some of the challenges I have faced while working in the office would be not knowing how all of the technology in the office works.  Some attorneys or agents will give me a task to do and I have to figure out how to go about accomplishing that specific task.  On numerous occasions I have asked the receptionist or a legal secretary and they have been very nice about helping me.  I do not think I would have handled these situations any differently because I would rather ask easy questions than try to do the job myself and get it wrong.  

Getting to Know Your Colleagues

So far I have had a wonderful experience at the Attorney General's Office.  All of my colleagues have been extremely helpful and welcoming and I have witnessed many people being potential mentors to me throughout this internship.  I have met two people specifically that have provided me with much knowledge about the professional environment I am working in.  One of my potential mentors is a young attorney that has worked for a year in our office.  We have had many conversations about what law school is like and her experience practicing law.  So far she has provided great insight for me regarding what I am to expect if I choose to become a lawyer.  My other mentor is a special agent that has been working in the field for thirty years.  I am excited to have more conversations with these people and continue to gain more knowledge about health care fraud.

note: This blog does not reflect the thoughts/opinions of the Ohio Attorney General's office.

I have just finished up the first week of my internship in the Attorney General’s office.  I have been placed in the criminal section dealing with health care fraud.  I am thrilled to be working here because I plan on going to law school and receiving my Masters in Public Health.  My first week on the job has been an absolutely wonderful experience.  Everyone in the office is extremely nice and willing to help me or answer any questions I may have.  The office has arranged me with my own room, laptop, and phone.  The office includes positions from section chief to receptionist.  However, I do not feel a sense of superiority or hierarchy.  The special agent supervisor comes in to my office multiple times a day and asks me how I am and how everything is going. The attorneys have all been extremely nice and talk to me as a colleague rather than an intern.  Because I work in a law office everyone has to wear professional attire.  However, suits are required when going to court.  The office is filled with diverse individuals from different backgrounds, races, and gender.  I am looking forward to everything I am going to learn during my time here.