I also saw limits to the laws. For example, I learned about many policy exclusions in renter’s or landlord’s insurance policies that prevent recovery even when someone has clearly been wronged, such as for mold and intentional torts. The landlords we dealt with were often judgment-proof so it was important to see some people did not have an avenue for compensation although they had clearly suffered measurable damages. While the restrictive nature of these and lease contracts was unsurprising, I was surprised at how shocking some of the housing violations were, like not even having smoke or CO detectors anywhere in a building. In one case, that resulted in an entire family’s apartment burning to the ground and them barely escaping with burns. COVID-19 made municipal housing inspections more difficult to perform, but no less necessary.

While the internship was remote, I got more experience with client contact than I anticipated, which was a pleasant surprise. I interviewed clients on the phone and communicated updates about their cases to them, which was especially rewarding when I could offer good news. I also got to write memos, draft insurance settlement demand letters and complaints, draft amendments to complaints, and draft motions. This experience increased my interest in civil litigation and pro bono work.

On a different note, I was surprised by how emotional the practice could be. In hindsight, it made sense that client counseling in this practice area can often be very emotional because the status of people’s homes is so important to their wellbeing and safety and in certain cases retaliatory eviction and homelessness were possible concerns. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be able to assist people with housing problems in their times of great personal need.