This summer the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee coordinated its annual Madison County Intern Program, allowing 12 students the chance to learn more about the legal system.
The students were placed in local law firms for one month this summer, allowing students to observe and experience different employment opportunities in the legal field and to better understand how the legal system works.
“This program allows students from around the county to visit the courthouse and observe court and to be placed with volunteer lawyers to observe in their law offices. The pro bono committee thanks the lawyers who donated their time to make this experience meaningful for the students,” stated Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder, chair of the Third Circuit Pro Bono Committee.
The students selected for the program and the volunteer firms this year included:
- Jeremy Erikson from Granite City High School with Bas Law Office;
- Trent Carriger from Highland High School with Maag Law Firm;
- Kayleigh Stewart from Granite City High School with Scroggins Law Office;
- Ali Counton from Collinsville High School with Goldenberg, Heller, Antognoli and Rowland;
- Samay Gupchup from Edwardsville High School with Williamson, Webster, Falb & Glisson;
- Yahilan Munoz from Collinsville High School with Unsell & Schattnik;
- Olivia Watson from Edwardsville High School with Unsell & Schattnik;
- John Collins from Collinsville High School with Gori Julian & Associates;
- Christopher Empson from Triad High School with Gori Julian & Associates;
- Sydnee Valentine from Edwardsville High School with Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen;
- Kiley Reeder from Edwardsville High School with HeplerBroom; and
- Toryan Bryant from Edwardsville High School with Simmons Hanly Conroy.
During their time in the program, the students went through an orientation about the legal system from Circuit Judge Kyle Napp and former Associate Judge Ben Beyers. They also observed a domestic violence order of protection docket with Associate Judge Tom Chapman.
The students attended sessions about confidentiality, attorney-client relationships and types of legal cases and careers.
The program has more than doubled in size since it started. The MCIP Program sub-committee is chaired by Jo Anna Pollock of the Simmons Firm.