Internship Experience: A Pathway to Fulfilling My Career Goals

As an intern, I have had the privilege of engaging in an exceptional experience encompassing rewarding and demanding aspects. This internship has proven to be perfectly connected and aligned with my academic and career goals, which involve becoming a federal judge, federal defense attorney, or both. I hold the title of Justice of the Peace in the Pahrump Justice Court of Nye County, an experience that has further fueled my aspirations. The benefit of this internship extends far beyond its duration, as it serves as a preparatory platform for my future career, providing invaluable judicial education and training under the guidance of experienced sitting judges.

My interdisciplinary criminology and sociology major is pivotal in shaping my career path. Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue law school, and this internship has seamlessly tied together my major, my current role as a Justice of the Peace, and my aspirations for the future. Those unfamiliar with the legal field often need to pay more attention to the intersection of sociology and criminology; it has given me a deeper understanding of the root causes behind criminal violations.

Writing is a significant aspect of being a judge, and my studies in sociology, criminology, and case law have proven extremely helpful in preparing me for this responsibility. As judges, we must write opinions, review briefs, and request briefs, making this internship only suitable for some. The educational requirements for this internship align perfectly with my chosen major, further reinforcing the suitability of this experience for my career goals. I will need to obtain my law degree and the passage of the bar exam to make my dreams my reality.

My interest in pursuing a career as a federal judge stems from a deep sense of witnessing injustices within the courtroom over the past decade. Unlike many law degree seekers who major in political science, my extensive involvement in politics as an Assemblywoman, RNC Committeewoman, City Councilwoman, Mayor Pro Tem, and now as a Justice of the Peace has shaped my commitment to serve the public fairly and without bias. My primary goal is to adjudicate cases impartially, ensuring accountability and fairness, especially for prosecutors who have sometimes abused their authority.

During my internship with Judge Melissa Saragosa, I had the opportunity to engage in various enriching activities. The experience commenced with attending the National Judicial College (NJC) at the University of Reno campus. I participated in a comprehensive program that expanded my knowledge and understanding of the judicial system. Additionally, I attended a weeklong judicial seminar in Tonopah alongside esteemed Nevada Judges of Limited Jurisdiction (NJLJ).

One particularly fascinating aspect of my internship was a four-day course focused solely on traffic law, which provided valuable insights into the complexities of traffic-related legal matters. Following that, I participated in a two-week course on Special Court Jurisdiction, covering a wide array of subjects and further enhancing my understanding of the judicial system.

Throughout my internship, I had the privilege of observing and learning from exceptional judges at the Reginal Justice Center, including Judge Melissa Saragosa, Judge Brown, former Supreme Justice Abbi Silver, Judge Eric Goodman, Judge Jessica Goodey, Judge Elana Graham, Judge Rebecca Saxe, Judge Diana Sullivan, Judge Amy Ferreira, and District Court Judge Tierra Jones. The knowledge and experience shared by these distinguished judges have been invaluable.

Undoubtedly, this internship has been an extraordinary experience, and my advice to fellow interns is to immerse themselves fully, treating it as their real-life career. To excel in this invaluable opportunity, maintaining focus is essential, while ensuring proper rest and nutrition are crucial for nurturing a healthy mind, body, and spirit.

In conclusion, this internship has been an exceptional journey, aligning perfectly with my academic and career goals. It has provided me with the necessary education, exposure, and experience to pursue my dream of becoming a federal judge, with a commitment to uphold fairness, accountability, and justice in the legal system.

Judge Eric Goodman and Judge Michele Fiore