Just Do It!
by Danielle Sanger, Class of 2010
When I was deciding whether or not to enroll in Clinic, there were many factors that I considered. First, my stomach flip-flopped every time I thought about appearing in front of a judge. I had no experience in a courtroom and no experience working with real clients. Also, I was unsure whether I would be able to handle the responsibility of clinic along with taking classes and raising my two sons. I finally decided that the only way for me to know whether taking Clinic was right for me was to take a leap of faith and just do it!
I began working as a legal intern in the Family Law Clinic in May of 2009. My first court hearing was scheduled for just one week after I started. I was extremely nervous, so I prepared thoroughly to help calm my nerves. By the time I walked out of the courtroom for the first time, I felt as though I had accomplished something huge. I had appeared in front of a judge, and I had not vomited!
My next few court hearings were much better than the first. Each time, I became more and more comfortable. I was able to say what I needed to say without my voice quivering or my hands shaking. I will be honest — it was scary at first but the more I did it, the less scared I felt. Clinic has increased my confidence and given me the practical experience necessary to handle new and different situations without feeling fearful. In October, 2009, I had my first trial. When the judge stopped me in the hallway afterwards and told me I had done a great job, I knew that I had made the right choice by taking Clinic.
Clinic also teaches you the responsibility of making decisions that can greatly impact another person's life. This is a responsibility that I have not taken lightly. While working with my clients, I have had many opportunities to sit down, consider the options, and work through these options to come up with the best solution. For me, this was essential in learning what it truly means to counsel a client. Working with opposing counsel has also helped me in many ways. I have learned when to be patient, when to compromise, and when to hold my ground. Even though sometimes it has been tough, my experiences in dealing with opposing counsel have been some of the most beneficial in all of Clinic.
Overall, working as a legal intern in the Clinic has been a great experience. It requires a lot of work and a lot of commitment but in the end, what you gain is worth so much more.
