Majors: Political Science and American Studies

Internship:  Department of Justice United States Trustee Program

Participated: Summer 2024

Tell us about your internship - what kind of work did you do?

As a Program Analyst intern, I worked at the Executive Office of the USTP to help manage the USTP field offices. I worked on projects like analyzing irregular attorney payments from debtors with excessive filings, factors that affect the likelihood of a material misstatement on a bankruptcy filing, and recommendations to make the annual report more digestible. I also sent out the daily bankruptcy news to all employees of the USTP from across the country. I found it rewarding to learn so much about the bankruptcy process and the USTP's efforts to ensure debtors and creditors receive a fair outcome. 

Have your career goals changed as a result of your internship?

This internship has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of working in the Department of Justice and the federal government in general. Seeing the collaboration of the USTP with other components and hearing from leaders in those components taught me how much cooperation and coordination goes into the Department of Justice. There are so many opportunities for the future that I previously did not know of. 

Tell us about an exciting memory from your internship!

While the Supreme Court was releasing decisions in June, the USTP was waiting the outcome of two cases: Harrington v. Purdue Pharma L.P. and Office of the United States Trustee v. John Q. Hammons Fall 2006, LLC, Et Al. Every day the Court released decisions, the entire Executive Office gathered in a conference room to watch the live SCOTUS blog while the director of the USTP, Tara Twomey, explained decisions as they were released. The interns even got to go on a field trip to the Supreme Court to watch decisions get handed down in person a few times! As a Constitutional Law nerd, learning about how the USTP was involved in these cases and seeing the process in real life was probably the coolest experience I've ever had. 

Did your internship lead to any opportunities?

As a component of the Department of Justice, the USTP offered experience to tour the main DOJ building as well as informational/networking opportunities to connect with other components. We got to hear from Acting Assistant Attorney General, attend the DOJ Legal Career Fair, and meet with a bankruptcy judge. 

Share a story about something special you did in Washington!

We went to a Nats game as a part of the summer concert series and got to see a Carly Rae Jepson concert afterward. Our goal was to get on the Jumbotron during the concert and we were successful! I will never forget the packed Metro ride home, where we packed the car to the brim with young adults and everyone sang "Call Me Maybe" and "Sweet Caroline" until we got to the next stop. 

How has living in the nation's capital for a quarter changed you?

I have never lived anywhere but in the California suburbs and have never pictured living anywhere else. Being in DC this summer has inspired me to explore new places and be open to new opportunities. I got to tour several law schools while I was here and am now hoping to attend law school in DC. 

What advice would you like to share with future UCDC participants?

Take advantage of the opportunities in the city. There is always an event going on or something new to explore. Do your research and try new things as much as possible!