Alaska Department of Law Internship Program
Intern Experiences
"I could not imagine a better summer internship experience. The office is filled with warm, welcoming, and interesting people. The attorneys I worked with were true mentors, providing guidance and support. In addition to researching, writing, working with clients, and going to court, I was exposed to a wide range of legal issues and assignments. Most importantly, I was encouraged to think critically and develop my own projects and areas of interest and run with them. The stimulating legal environment coupled with the various outdoor activities and beauty of Alaska make an internship at the Department of Law an amazing summer opportunity. Also, you will see a moose in your backyard."
- Aaron, University of California, Hastings College of Law, Summer 2012
I've been talking quite a bit to my fellow law students and hearing about their experiences, and I have to say that I am so lucky to have worked at the Department of Law this summer. It was truly a unique experience and very valuable both personally and to my legal education.
- Joanna, University of Washington, Summer 2011
"Working in Alaska is exciting because it really is different than any other state. I was exposed to unique legal issues, and was introduced to a wonderful and tightknit legal community. I don't think many other internships could have provided me with the type of experience I got this summer. And to top it off, just being in Alaska makes every day just a little bit more fun!"
- Zephyr, Vermont University, Summer 2012
"The Department of Law's staff was unbelievably welcoming, generous, and gracious. I felt from day one that the staff was genuinely committed to making sure that I had an educational and rewarding internship. People in the office seem like they really enjoy their jobs, and their commitment and enthusiasm for their work was inspiring. I got to take on real responsibilities, and I had the sense that all of the attorneys I worked with respected and valued my input. In addition, Alaska is even more beautiful and stunning than I had imagined. Within the first couple of days, it became clear that there was so much to see and do that I could never get to everything during my ten short weeks. Not everyone can say that memories of their summer internship will last a lifetime, but I won't soon forget seeing a grizzly look me in the eye in Denali National Park, hiking through the woods under the midnight sun, or glissading down a snowy mountain in late May."
John (on left), University of California, Berkeley School of Law, Summer 2012
"An internship with Alaska's Attorney General is the best kept secret among law school interns. I am confident in saying no other legal externship or internship could expose a law student to more. My internship in the Consumer and Fair Business Section gave me amazing, real-world exposure to the Civil Division of the Attorney General's Office and provided unique experiences in a variety of contexts. I worked closely with amazing attorneys on fascinating legal topics, assisted in a grand jury indictment hearing, witnessed oral arguments before the Supreme Court, and participated in a trial advocacy workshop with Federal Judge, Timothy Burgess. Each day was exciting, fun and unforgettable. My experiences in the office were made even more incredible by the wildlife and scenery of Alaska! As interns, we worked hard in the office during the week, and we played just as hard on the weekends!"
- Blake, University of Nevada, William S. Boyd School of Law, Summer 2011
"I had an excellent time this summer in the Child Protection section. Because Alaska is a young state I was quickly faced with issues of first impression and I was given projects and opportunities that I think are rare in internships. Definitely the best place I could have been to learn and live for the summer."
- Andrew, CUNY Law School, Summer 2012
"In addition to being given the opportunity to work on real civil trial motions and appellate briefs, I participated in a mock trial, which was probably the most transformative experience I had this summer. I was able to prepare for and present a criminal trial, from starting strategy to closing arguments."
- Johanna, Columbia School of Law, Summer 2012
"Juneau is a great place to work and live. I grew up here and really appreciated the chance to come back and work for the summer. There aren't many places in the world where you can walk out your door and climb up a mountain, or head in the opposite direction to the ocean. I really enjoyed my experience working at the Department of Law. The people are very friendly and helpful, and I learned a lot through my internship. Alaska has a very small legal community, which means there are many great opportunities for networking and interacting with experienced lawyers and judges."
- Aislinn, Georgetown University Law Center, Summer 2012
"My internship at the Alaska Department of Law was an all-around great experience. My projects were diverse — ranging from assisting with a trial, to creating national surveys, to researching novel issues, and more. All of my projects fit my experience level, yet were challenging and rewarding. The environment at the office is friendly and welcoming, and made me feel right at home. My supervisors were exceptional, and always gave me great feedback on my performance and helped me learn. I would highly recommend anyone considering an internship with the Alaska DOL to go for it. The enjoyment and experience you get from interning there, coupled with all of the beautiful surroundings and fun things to do in Alaska make for a great summer."
- Brittany, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Summer 2011
"I am so grateful to have had such an incredible summer internship! I cannot believe I ever doubted coming to the Alaska Attorney General's Office. The Child Protection Section opened my eyes to the serious issues that Alaskans deal with and the work that is done by such earnest and hardworking attorneys. There was not one minute of boredom—in the office or out. Everyone in the Department of Law was so welcoming and generous. I cannot imagine a better summer internship experience (and in fact, I already fear next year's because I am sure it won't compare)."
- Callagee, Brooklyn Law School, Summer 2012
My summer as an intern at the Department of Law was an incredibly fun and legally substantive experience. I was exposed to all aspects of litigation, including settlement assessment committees, brief writing, motion practice, witness preparation, and trial and appellate practice. The attorneys I worked with were true mentors and really helped guide me through unfamiliar waters while also giving me the freedom to take on projects and run with them. The intern program added the benefit of a fun social aspect to the summer and it was really great getting to know not only the interns in our office, but interns around the city. Everyone here was so generous, consistently lending gear and giving advice that led to new Alaskan adventures every weekend.
- Bailey, William and Mary, Summer 2011
"I cannot say enough great things about my internship for the Alaska Attorney General's Office. The atmosphere in the office was extremely collegial and made me look forward to coming to work each day. The attorneys were very welcoming and willing to take the time to answer any questions I had regarding legal issues or post-graduation plans. In addition to the exceptional experiences that I had in the office, I had a chance to explore the beauty of Alaska. The sun doesn't set until midnight, so there are countless hours to do things like run through the snow on the top of Mount Alyeska, pet reindeer, feed musk oxen, and explore the countless trails running throughout Alaska (just to name a few). I wholeheartedly recommend an internship with the Alaska Attorney General's Office; you won't regret it!"
Erica, Rutgers School of Law, Summer 2012
"I loved my experience at the AG's office because it provided me with opportunities to see different areas of law, methods of dispute resolution, and stages of a case."
- Lisa, Boston College Law School, Summer 2012
"I thoroughly enjoyed my internship at Alaska Department of Law and feel extremely lucky to have had such a great opportunity working in the Human Services section. The attorneys and office staff were always there to help me learn as much as possible about Alaska's law, particularly the civil mental commitment process. As a certified intern, I conducted civil commitment hearings three days a week, which helped reinforce the rules of evidence I learned at school and gave me a solid appreciation for the due process issues. But besides the wonderful work experience, Alaska is just a great place to be during the summer - plenty of sunlight, lots of hiking and camping opportunities, and the variety and abundance of wildlife. I can think of no better place to intern during law school summer."
- Vance (center), University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Summer 2012
The collegial atmosphere here is remarkable. But what was really extraordinary was the effort folks put in beyond the scope of work. Universally, people made a sincere effort to get to know me and make sure I was taken care of and having the time of my life. I felt welcome. People put in time after work, took me on trips, sent me on trips, and lent me their things. Often, I didn't even work in their section...I really appreciated the pride that I can see and hear in people in being Alaskan, … and sharing it with visitors like me.
- Alexander, Emory Law School, Summer 2011
GREAT GREAT GREAT! I honestly had a wonderful summer. I loved Alaska and I really enjoyed the people I worked with. I didn't quite know what to expect when I decided to come up here, but I have been so incredibly happy with my decision..I cannot WAIT to go back to NYU and tell my classmates about my summer and work to encourage other NYU Law students to come out here. I will forever be grateful to this office for making my summer so great!
- Hannah, NYU, Summer 2011
