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.