Hometown: Roy, Utah
Major and class standing: Humanities Pre-Law, Junior
Social Media: ella.morgan9317
Where you interned: Brenda Beaton Attorney at Law, Ogden, Utah

What was your internship title and role/responsibilities?
During this internship, I was a law intern/legal assistant with Brenda Beaton Attorney at Law. I was lucky enough to attend court hearings and mediation and draft divorce decrees, stipulations, and motions to enforce. I also sat in on mediations and client meetings as well as assisted with anything else that came up or needed more eyes or hands.

How did you obtain your internship? What resources did you utilize to secure your internship?
Brenda Beaton was my mom’s divorce attorney a couple of years ago and I was able to attend one of her client meetings. I mentioned being her intern once then and then kept her business card and reached back out when I was ready. I used my networking resources to get back in touch with her and ask about an internship.

What did your daily routine include?
My daily routine included checking in with the paralegal, Bonnie, and reviewing my tasks for the day. Those tasks always included attending a mediation, completing and filing paperwork, and drafting motions. Before each workday ended we would go over what we did today as well as what was on the agenda for the next day.

Your favorite experience from the internship?
My favorite experiences from this internship were attending court and seeing families receive what they were fighting for. It solidified the fact that I want to be a lawyer and made my goals even more valuable.

What was your least favorite part of the internship?
My least favorite part of the internship was realizing how unfair the court system can be. There were so many instances when families don’t end up getting what really should rightfully be theirs because of a reason involving the court and justice system. They’re also so difficult to work with and simple processes take way longer than needed.

What skills did you learn and/or build upon during your internship?
I learned so many skills such as legal vocabulary and really just an in-depth understanding of family law and the court systems. I had no idea what going to court was like before this and it felt like such an educational and valuable experience. I also built upon my writing skills in a style that I have never done before.

What did you learn about the industry or your career path as a result of the internship? What are your future plans?
The biggest thing I learned was that this is the career I want to pursue. If there were any doubts, there aren’t anymore. I loved and valued every second of this internship and I know it’s what I want to do in the future. My future plans are to attend law school and become a family lawyer. Before becoming a family lawyer, I want to be a prosecutor for the state.

What advice do you have for other students seeking out internship opportunities?
The biggest advice I would give is to ask questions. I’m normally a little shy and reserved but I told myself going into this that I would ask every question that popped into my head regardless of how stupid I thought it might be. I learned so much that way and it really brought me out of my comfort zone.