Here are firsthand accounts from Catholic Law students reflecting on their impactful summer experiences in diverse legal and public service roles. These narratives highlight the diverse opportunities they pursued, the skills they developed, and the meaningful contributions they made. Each story showcases their dedication to their chosen fields and the invaluable support they received through fellowships and stipends, which made these experiences possible.
Albert Anaim ’26
This past summer, I had a wonderful experience serving at the National Labor Relations Board in Region 5 ("NLRB"). At NLRB, I served as a Board Agent and was given my own docket of charges against employers and unions for unlawful labor practices. In this role, I investigated charges by contacting the charging and charged parties, gathered preliminary information through affidavits, conducted extensive research on comparable caselaw, negotiated settlements, made recommendations to either dismiss charges or refer the cases to an ALJ, and collaborated with a fantastic team of attorneys on ongoing investigations and labor elections. I was also offered a fall internship, allowing me to continue learning through new projects and further develop my skills as a legal professional at NLRB. My summer externship was unpaid, and was made possible by the generous support of the SPIL Stipend, which enabled me to pursue my dreams as a Labor Attorney at the NLRB and assist workers to protect their collective bargaining rights.
Edward Daubel ’27
During the summer of 2025, I served as a Legal Intern with the Center for Water Security and Cooperation (CWSC), where I conducted policy and legal research on water affordability across Maryland. My work focused on analyzing utility regulations and evaluating how legal frameworks influence equitable access to essential water services. This internship was made possible through a Squire Patton Boggs Public Policy Fellowship, which allowed me to deepen my understanding of how lawyers shape legislation and regulatory policy. Through the fellowship, I also built lasting connections with mentors and professionals working at the intersection of law and public policy - relationships whose value cannot be overstated.
Alexa Finkelstein ’26
This past summer, I had the honor and privilege of interning with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General in the Major Threats Bureau, within the Division of Criminal Justice. During my time there, I gained invaluable insight into how criminal cases are handled at the state level. Among many responsibilities, I drafted and revised search warrant applications and motions to compel the identification of confidential informants. I also conducted legal research on searches and seizures, knock-and-announce procedures, and consensual intercepts. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work in an office dedicated to advocating for the greater good and protecting New Jersey’s citizens. Thank you to SPIL for enabling me to return home to New Jersey and pursue my passion for public service.
Richard Grasso ’27
This past summer I had the opportunity to serve as an intern with Christian Legal Aid of DC. I worked with their staff attorneys to help provide free legal advice and assistance to those in need. CLADC helps clients in the areas of criminal record sealing, estate planning, probate, SSDI benefits, and housing. Through my work with CLADC, I gained a better understanding of these areas of law while also providing these important and necessary legal services to those in need. Working with CLADC showed me the great need for pro bono legal services in this city. I also gained a better understanding and appreciation for how lawyers work with clients and serve as their counselors and advocates through a variety of legal problems, but also the value for people to have someone who will listen and seek solutions and advocate for them. I am grateful to have had this opportunity funded by the O'Brien Fellowship. This funding allowed me to put my faith in action and serve others while learning about the law while still affording to live in DC over the summer.
Emily Morgan ’26
During the summer of 2025, I interned at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). I split my time between two chief counsel offices: Personnel Law and Regulations and Security Standards (Regs). In Personnel, I analyzed a wide range of legal issues, including reasonable accommodations questions, Establishment Clause concerns, and civil rights matters. TSA Headquarters manages labor and employment matters with over 50,000 Transportation Security Officers at more than 440 federalized airports across the country. In Regs, I supported efforts related to REAL ID enforcement, cargo security, and drone regulation. It was an honor to work alongside veterans and 9-11 survivors while supporting the missions of national and aviation security. This experience strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in public service, and my family and I are deeply grateful to SPIL for making this invaluable experience possible.
Isabella Pastore ’27
This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern at the United States Attorneys’ Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC), where I worked within the Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section. During my time at USAO-DC, I supported Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in matters relating to the prosecution of offenders charged with misdemeanor- or felony-level domestic violence or sex offenses through conducting and presenting legal research, assisting with document review and evidentiary analysis.
One of the projects I worked on was a Case Impression Memorandum, which entailed viewing surveillance footage, officers’ body-worn-camera, interviews, and reading reports of eleven different offenses. In addition to researching and writing various legal issues that arose during the trial process, I gained hands-on experience in the courtroom by attending trials and hearings, where I assisted with document production and note-taking to support case strategy. If not for the O’Brien Fellowship’s award to me, this opportunity would not have been possible. Interning at USAO-DC was an invigorating and enlightening way to spend my 1L summer, and has greatly enhanced the beginning of my career as a legal professional. I am profoundly thankful for the O’Brien Fellowship for funding the opportunity for me to immerse myself in this work, and to become a better person for it.
Noah Salzberg ’27
This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity of working in the Division of Enforcement at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as part of the SEC Summers Scholars program. It was a fantastic opportunity, as I was able to learn more about the Commission and collaborate with attorneys on ongoing investigations. Throughout this experience, I gained valuable insights into the securities space, and it would not have been possible without the support of the O’Brien Fellowship. I am deeply grateful for the O’Brien Fellowship, as it allowed me to build a strong foundation upon which I can continue my legal career.
Cassidy Stevenson ’27
This past summer, I worked as an intern in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia in the Superior Court General Crimes Division, where I helped prepare cases for trial from start to finish. I reviewed and synthesized hours of police body-worn camera footage, jail calls and CCTV recordings to identify key evidence and witnesses. I also took detailed notes during trials—covering everything from jury selection to closing arguments—and joined meetings with attorneys afterwards to discuss trial strategy.
I am thankful to the O’Brien Fellowship and for my experience and the opportunity to learn trial skills from some of the best attorneys around. My internship in the U.S. Attorney’s office fueled my excitement to become a public policy attorney after law school as a way to protect the most vulnerable from exploitation and abuse.
Taylor Talley ’26
This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern for the U.S. Navy JAG Corps in their regional office in San Diego, California. I worked directly under the Staff Judge Advocates that advised the Rear Admiral. During my time as a legal intern, I worked on a wide variety of areas of law including administrative law, military justice, family law, and constitutional law. Every day in this role presented something new. I worked on writing an ethics memorandum relating to the military housing plane crash, I spent time in legal assistance helping draft wills, and I spent the summer preparing a case before a Board of Inquiry — an administrative hearing for an officer that committed misconduct to ultimately decide their separation or detention of service — in which I served as government co-counsel. I also got to tour a submarine, an aircraft carrier, and participate in weekly group PT. This experience is completely different from what most interns experience in private practice or larger firms. I encourage any law student to explore becoming a Judge Advocate General (JAG). Receiving the O’Brien Fellowshipallowed me to learn more about being a JAG and give back to service members and their families. I could not be more thankful for the Fellowship allowing me to have this opportunity.
Anna Turrietta ’27
This past summer, I had the privilege of being an intern at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the office of Commissioner Peirce. Through this experience, I was fortunate to gain insight into securities law and see how lawmakers engage with the investing public and industry experts to develop sound policies as finance and technology continue to evolve. In my internship, I was able to sit in on public roundtables, meet with representatives from different parts of the financial sector, and learn more about a variety of SEC policies. Having access to the summer stipend was critical in enabling me to pursue these experiences, and I am very thankful for the opportunity and privilege. I am also very thankful to be a part of the Squire Patton Boggs Foundation community.