Rebecca Bower '22

What are some skills/ competencies (NACE) that you developed during your internship?

While attending court proceedings, it was important that I maintained a strong sense of

professionalism. In and out of the courtroom, I interacted with judges, prosecutors, public defenders,

police officers, as well as clients and inmates coming to court. In addition to observing court, I

developed my research skills, specifically in legal research. I learned how to navigate WestLaw and

search for case law to supplement the Circuit Court Judge’s written opinions.

How does this experience connect to your future career goals

My internship confirmed my interest in attending law school. As an undergraduate, I found it

particularly meaningful that I now have a solid understanding of legal terminology and how to

conduct legal research. Prior to this experience, I thought I was interested in civil and probate law.

However, as the summer progressed, I developed an interest in criminal law. The prosecutor’s work

appeals to me the most because I like the idea of helping others and advocating for victims.

What advice would you give to other Holy Cross students

Be interested and engaged. Ask as many questions as possible and have a positive, professional attitude - you

never know who’ll you will encounter or connect with. The highlight of my internship was the people I

interacted with everyday. I had the opportunity to sit down with the judges and attorneys, in between

hearings, and speak with them about the court proceedings I just observed, their career paths, and their law

school experiences. In doing so, I developed meaningful professional connections that I am encouraged to

use later on as references. I would also recommend that you take advantage of every and any opportunity

available to you. In attending the different courts, I was able to determine which areas of law that interested

me the most, while gaining an understanding of how each court works.