Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work a 9 to 5 as a high school student? 

Recently, I completed a two-week internship at the New Haven based injury law firm Lynch, Traub, Keefe, and Errante,working with Richard Lynch and his team. While working there, I observed the inner workings of the firm. I chose to intern there because I want to pursue a career in Family Law, so this was a perfect opportunity.

According to Tina Valaouras, a Career Specialist at BHS, this is the first year BHS offered a Junior Internship. The school has offered the Senior Internship opportunity for many years and has received positive feedback from students, she said.

The Junior Internship is a week-long program, while the Senior Internship is a month long; for Seniors, grades close midway through marking period 4, so when their internship is done, they only come back for graduation. Since the Junior Internship is much shorter, grades don’t close, so students need to make up all their work for that week and have each of their teachers sign a permission slip, allowing them to participate in an internship.

The goal for the program is for students to “get hands on, real-world experience,” Valaouras said.

My day of “real-world experience” starts like most others: getting up early. As is routine, before I leave my house, I have to say goodbye to my babies Nala and Simba, my two-year-old cats that love to cause trouble any chance they get… but I can’t stay mad at them for long.

I give them a hug every morning and say goodbye before I leave for the day.

Instead of Branford High School, I headed to the Superior and Judicial Court in New Haven on Church Street. As part of the work, an attorney from the firm I interned at and I went on a tour of each court while learning about the history, and what each court has to offer.

At the Superior Court, we were able to sit in on a case, which was a great opportunity to see what a courtroom looks like in action. Observing different cases at each court was fascinating to see because each location varies in its own style. They also differed in how each judge runs their courtroom, and how each case is defended.

On this day, we sat in on a discovery hearing, a pre-trial meeting between lawyers to exchange evidence, witness lists, and any evidence that can be used in court. The case presented involved a man who was currently in jail and was suing the police. After the discovery hearing, a jury will be selected to decide the case.

During my lunch break, I decided to fulfill my duty as a daughter by annoying my mother. Lucky, my mom works two blocks from my internship, so I walked over. 

When I got back to the office, I did some school work and helped other attorneys with important legal paperwork.

After a long day, my mom and I went and got dinner and relaxed for the rest of the evening.

If students are interested in doing an internship next year, there are some requirements. The main requirement Valaouras looks for in a student apply for an internship is good grades, behavior, and a well-maintained attendance, citing how at their internship, they will be representing the program, the school, and the BHS community.

“It’s really important to me, I want students to advocate for themselves,” Valarouas said.

Based on my experience, I agree with her. My internship was a great opportunity to see what it would be like to have a responsibility at a law firm.

I encourage students to try doing an internship or a job shadow. The purpose is for you to try something new and see if you like it… the worst thing that can happen is saying “I didn’t try.”