Name: Alexie Coleman
Class Year: 2027
Major: Sociology
Internship Organization: Delaware Department of Justice
Internship Title: Legal Intern
Location: Wilmington, DE
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
For my Internship at the Department of Justice, I am working in the Criminal Division's Violent Crime Enterprise Unit (VCE) under a Deputy Attorney General. My main project includes watching and taking notes on body-cam footage on a gun charge and a homicide. In this case, the Deputy Attorneys General works with law enforcement to indict gang members and keep the public safe. Aside from my main project, I also volunteered at the Community Youth Resource Fair, that is under the Community Outreach Program, where families can access resources related to educational programs and mental health. In addition, there was also a chance to speak with government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses in the state of Delaware. Lastly, I was able to make a presentation with other interns for Diversity Equity and Inclusion week for training the Deputy Attorneys General on Microaggressions, which was a rewarding opportunity!
Why did you apply for this internship?
I applied for this internship because I have a passion for advocacy and law. Coming from a low-income background, I wanted to have the opportunity to give back to the community and help people get justice. I felt as though this internship would help me further my academic and professional career in the future, as I am learning how the criminal system works while also developing a work ethic.
What has been your favorite part of this internship?
My favorite part of this internship is collaborating with the other interns! There was a mix of high school and college students who had a lot of different interests related to the Department of Justice, so there was a lot of bonding while doing our respective projects. Also, we would let each other know when court days were, and where we were able to watch preliminary hearings, case reviews, or trials. Having that collaborative relationship with the interns made it easier to navigate the internship, where I was new to everything and did not know what to expect. Making connections and networking with the interns and the Deputy Attorneys General helped me build strong relationships that I will never forget.
Was this internship what you expected it to be?
This internship was not what I expected at all. I have explored other divisions besides criminal, including civil, fraud, family, and more. I also had the opportunity to see the work that law enforcement does by doing a police ride-along. It was a great experience getting to explore outside the criminal division, while also seeing how law enforcement plays a big role in the work that attorneys do.