The WLA will be highlighting some of the legal internships our members had over the summer. In this post, rising 2L Casey Connolly talks about her time with the U.S. Navy JAG Corps in Naples, Italy.
This summer, I had the opportunity to serve our nation alongside the amazing women and men of the U.S. Navy JAG Corps. I spent 8 weeks as a legal intern at the Region Legal Service Office Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia (RLSO EURAFSWA) in Naples, Italy.
My work was divided between three of the four main JAG practice areas: command services, trial (prosecution), and legal assistance. This meant that I was able to gain an extremely broad range of experience over a relatively short period of time. For example, in command services, I wrote advisory memos on international and domestic law governing diplomatic relations and use of force; helped execute search warrants; and drafted administrative separation notices and non-judicial punishment appeals. In trial services, I wrote motions in limine for a sex assault case that was going to court martial. Finally, in legal assistance, I helped research international and domestic laws regarding marriage, real property, and taxes.
In addition to this crash-course in legal practice, I was also immersed in the pure military aspect of the JAG Corps. This included participating in Physical Training (PT) three mornings a week with the rest of the command; attending Professional Development Standards (PDS) sessions; helping out at local volunteer events; and familiarizing myself with the titles, ranks, and insignia of the officer and enlisted corps.
The military is often stereotyped as a hostile environment for women, but my summer with the Navy JAG Corps was anything but. The majority of the senior officers (equivalent to partners in a law firm) in my command were female, and there was a great sense of camaraderie and support among the female junior officers. The male officers were extremely supportive and respectful as well. Overall, I got the sense that the command mission is the great equalizer; at the end of the day, you need to be able to trust the person working alongside you, regardless of gender.
I had a fantastic summer with the JAG Corps and would encourage every woman of HLS who is looking for diverse legal experience, adventure, and inspiring female role models to apply for this internship!
Below are some photos from Casey’s summer travels throughout Europe:
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