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News | June 14, 2019

2019 Navy JAG Corps Summer Interns

By Navy JAG Corps Public Affairs

The Navy JAG Corps is proud to welcome our 2019 summer interns! The Navy JAG Corps offers internships and externships to law students wishing to gain valuable legal experience, the opportunity for academic credit, and greater insight into life as a Navy judge advocate. Meet some of our summer interns.

Laura Trevino
University of Massachusetts School of Law
Region Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic
"I choose the Navy JAG summer internship program for the educational opportunities. I am an Army veteran and plan to return to the service after I complete law school. The Newport RI location is the training center for the DoD legal professionals, and I plan to utilize that and learn as much as possible. I am excited to have been given the opportunity to work with some of the top Navy attorneys and look forward to the experience!"  

Mai Kelley
South Texas College of Law Houston
Region Legal Service Office Southeast
"I came to the United States twelve years ago as a Vietnamese immigrant. My new country has provided me with the tremendous opportunity to pursue my dream education.  As a result, I would like to use my language skill, the unique life experience, and my degree to give back to Her. I apply for the Navy JAG Corps intern program as the first step toward that goal. Through my performance, I hope to demonstrate my passion, willingness and the ability to serve my country as a proud U.S. citizen."  

Michael Osborn​
Indiana University Maurer School of Law
Region Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic
"I applied for the Navy JAG Corps intern program​ because I hope to serve in the Navy JAG Corps after graduation. Before entering Law School, the only definite career goals I had were that I knew I wanted to use my legal education as a means to serve others, to tackle diverse and complex issues, and to work with a team of like-minded people. The Navy JAG Corps intern program and hopefully future service in the JAG Corps itself appear to be the perfect opportunity to accomplish all three. I am truly excited for the ability to contribute in some way to the office's mission and am grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from JAG officers who have practiced multiple areas of law around the world."  

Meghan Brown
University of San Diego School of Law
Reserve Component Command
"I applied for this internship with Navy JAG because the opportunity to learn from and work with the women and men serving in such a dynamic and unique role was exciting to me.  This first year of law school cemented my desire to work in a public interest field and the Navy JAG Corps’ mission is one that I would love to be a part of as an attorney.  I look forward to learning about the unique laws and practices of the military justice system and about the role that attorneys play in both day-to-day and large-scale decision making, while getting the chance to learn from the women and men who take on these challenges daily."  

Jacqueline Gardner
University of Florida Levin College of Law
Defense Service Office Pacific
"My parents raised me to value servant leadership through actively volunteering. Through my experiences in college, my hope to continue to serve my community broadened from local to national and international. I applied for the Navy JAG Corps intern program because I wanted to learn from attorneys who are not only leaders in the legal field but also in their communities. I believe that this glimpse into the daily lives of these attorneys will help reinforce my future aspirations of becoming a Navy JAG officer myself."  

Aaron Foltz
Pepperdine School of Law
Region Legal Service Office Midwest
"My family has a strong tradition of military service, so I've always felt drawn to the armed forces. I was very keen to gain an opportunity to see how such a large and international firm works to support the complex mission of promoting and protecting our country's interests. In order to make a fully informed decision on a career choice after graduation, I decided I needed the first-hand experience of working under the JAG Corps and seeing all the ways the brilliant folks there get to contribute."  

Stephen Paul
University of Virginia School of Law
Defense Service Office Southeast
"I was inspired to pursue an internship with the Navy by the many generations of my family who have served in the military. I hope this summer will provide insight into the ways that Navy lawyers serve our country.  I look forward to learning about the unique and important legal challenges that Navy JAG attorneys face and observe the practice of military law. I started law school with an interest in national security and military law, and I am honored to have this internship be the first step towards a legal career in that field."  

Nilofar Becker
University of California, Irvine School of Law
Defense Service Office West
"When my law school classmates and professors asked me where I would be interning for the summer, I felt immense pride in telling them it was with the Navy JAG Corps. I applied to this intern program because I aspire to become a Navy JAG after law school. When I entered law school, I knew I wanted to work towards a career that gave me purpose, that challenged me, and most importantly, that allowed me to serve my country and those in it. Participating in this internship will give me the invaluable opportunity to experience firsthand what a day in the life of a Navy JAG is like as well as work on a broad range of challenging and unique legal issues. The experience of a Navy JAG is truly unrivaled in the legal profession and I look forward to beginning my journey through this internship."   

Samuel Rebo
Harvard Law School
General Litigation (Code 14)
"I decided to spend my summer with the Navy JAG Corps because of its unique position at the confluence of the law, government, and foreign policy. Practically, I’m attracted to the JAG Corps because we need good lawyers in our military to ensure it functions smoothly and legally. Academically, I’m fascinated by the JAG Corps because its officers apply the rule of law to war zones, an area where many assume the rule of law simply doesn’t exist. Prior to law school, my background was in US foreign policy and I knew I wanted to continue my international focus when studying law. This summer, I'm excited to learn about the application of military justice both in the United States and abroad. And in Code 14, I'm looking forward to learning how the military interacts with the civil, federal court system."  

Emily Michel
Florida State University College of Law
Naval Education and Training Command
"I applied to the Navy JAG Corps intern program because it is my goal to commission as a Naval JAG officer upon graduation. From being part of a Navy family, I saw the commitment and sacrifices my family members have made for the greater good of our country. Witnessing their dedication to serving the mission of the Navy, motivates me to do the same. I applied to the internship program to learn from Naval JAG officers and experience what it is like to have a career in the Navy JAG Corps. I look forward to being part of the internship team in Pensacola this summer, and am humbled to have the opportunity to ready myself for a career in the Navy JAG Corps."

Brian Palamar
Albany Law School
Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals
"I applied to the Navy JAG corps intern program, because I have considered a career in the Navy JAG Corps for a long time, and thought the internship program would be a great way to find out if this career would be the right fit for me. Additionally, two of my uncles served in the Navy, and I liked the idea continuing the traditions of service in the United States Navy. However, I also strongly believe that no matter where I end up after law school, that this will be an extremely valuable experience that will help develop the skills necessary to work as an attorney in any profession."

Ivana Djuric
Syracuse University College of Law
Region Legal Service Office Naval District Washington
"I applied for the Navy JAG Corps intern program because the types of assignments I would be exposed to excited me. The Navy JAG Corp internship would allow me to experience one of the most diverse legal practice experiences available to a law student. Navy JAG also has such a diverse workforce and these are all people that I would have the opportunity to work with and learn from. I have always been committed to public service and I look forward to covering a wide range of legal duties this summer."  

Holly Locke
UC Hastings College of the Law
Region Legal Service Office Northwest
"Interning with the Navy JAG Corp allows me to advocate for our sailors and protect our country by working within our robust military legal system. My interest in public service was inspired by my family members who have previously served in the military – my father in the Air Force and my grandfather in the Marines. My family taught me to always look outward to our surrounding community and find ways to enhance the lives of those within it. My 1L summer I learned about the importance of environmental security after working with the California Governor’s Military Council to draft a Military Council Advisory comparing National Environmental Protection Act and California Environmental Quality Act. My 2L year, I went on to study how climate change effects military security and deployment, along with climate refugee movement. Now, I want to continue advocating for military environmental security, as well as gaining a greater breadth of knowledge in military law and justice, in order to protect our country and those who fight for it."  

Liz Hersey
University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Defense Service Office West
"I have always envisioned myself working for the government in public service. Before I decided to go to law school I was interested in serving in the Navy, and I came to law school with the goal of being a Navy judge advocate. I am drawn to the JAG Corps because of the opportunity to get exposure to many different areas of law, while also serving my country. I applied for this internship to take the first step towards this goal and see what life is like as a judge advocate. I am excited to gain valuable experience I could not get through any other internship, and learn from incredible talented lawyers."  

Jason Baskett
Georgetown Law
Commander, Navy Region Southwest
"I applied for the Navy JAG Corps intern program to learn all I can about the Corps to see if it is right for me. I am very interested in serving in defense of the nation and believe that it would be an honor and a privilege to do so in the role of a judge advocate. I have met and spoken with many Navy judge advocates, and their experiences and advice have helped put me on this path. However, the internship program will give me the opportunity to see what it is really like being in the Navy JAG Corps on a daily basis. This will give me the chance to see up close the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a Navy judge advocate. I look forward to doing my part and learning as much as I can, in order to make an informed decision of whether to make the commitment to become a Navy JAG. I see this as an incredibly exciting first step on what may be a lifelong journey, and I feel honored and privileged to be a part of this program."   

Greta R. Wilt
Suffolk University Law School
Naval Justice School
"I applied to the Navy JAG Corps summer internship because after law school, I hope to have the honor of serving as a judge advocate. I went to law school with the intention of becoming a public servant, and I knew that I wanted to be in a professional environment where I could personally interact with individuals in need of legal assistance.  An internship with the Navy JAG Corps will allow me to further develop my leadership skills in a public service setting, and will allow me to assist judge advocates in providing legal advice to servicemembers who have dedicated their lives to maintain the safety and security of our country.  I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and am eager to see what this summer has in store for me."

Taylor Drinnen
Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law
Region Legal Service Office Naval District Washington
"Public service is at the heart of the legal profession. Dedication to service was one of the primary reasons I decided to attend law school. It is our job as future attorneys to not only uphold the values of the American legal system but also to uphold the values of American society by helping those in need. I was greatly influenced by military veterans who mentored and shaped me into the man I am today. It was through their emphasis on service I decided I wanted to give back to my community, my country, and the brave men and women who serve it. The Navy JAG Corps internship provides me with the opportunity to do just that. I hope that through the Navy JAG Corps internship and my future endeavors I can continue to help and work closely with those who serve our great nation. It is also my hope that through my involvement with the Navy JAG Corps I can continue to learn and enhance my legal skills to make me a better advocate for the clients and communities that I hope to one day serve."  

Kendra Hudson
William & Mary Law School
Region Legal Service Office Southwest
"Entering law school, I knew I wanted a career where I could serve the public. Through clinical experience, I found I enjoyed working directly with clients and working with a team towards a common goal. I saw that the Navy JAG Corps intern program offered this kind of hands-on experience, so I applied. I was also inspired and guided by the women I have met in law school who are participating in the FLEP program or pursuing a career in the Navy JAG Corps through the student program. They are some of the most strong, intelligent, and motivated women I have ever met. I hope to have the privilege of serving alongside them in the Navy JAG Corps upon my graduation."   

Matthew Allen
Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University
Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals
"When I first started law school I was unsure of what I wanted to do for my career. I quickly realized that a career path with the JAG Corps would be a good fit for me considering my background with the Army and desire to work in some form of public service, rather than as a corporate lawyer. By working for the Navy JAG Corps intern program, I can see the work done by Navy JAGs firsthand as well as experience the differences between the Navy and other services. Over the summer I hope to gain a better understanding of the Navy and its mission while proving that I can be a valuable asset in furthering that mission after graduation."   

Joseph Findley
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Naval Justice School
"I applied for the Navy JAG Corps intern program because I want to be a Navy JAG when I graduate law school. I want to develop leadership skills and become familiar with the work I will be a part of by observing JAG officers. Additionally, I applied to meet new people and become familiar with life outside the Midwest. I really look forward to meeting and working with my sponsors and fellow intern, along with experiencing the amazing legal and non-legal opportunities in Rhode Island! During my time on the coast, I hope to try my hand at saltwater fishing and watch the Royals play the Red Sox in Boston!"

 Victoria Mariconti
Georgetown University Law Center
Defense Service Office North
"Shortly after starting law school I began researching the Navy JAG Corps, and I am approaching the internship as another step on my path of discerning a future with the Corps. This summer I hope to begin laying a strong foundation of practical skills that I can bring back and expand on as my education continues. I believe the opportunity will immerse me in the types of applied legal experiences that are largely absent from the 1L curriculum. I also look forward to reviving my Italian vocabulary - I studied the language as an undergraduate and would like to rebuild proficiency and integrate it into my legal career."  

Chris Sanborn
William & Mary Law School
Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group
"In the years between undergraduate and law school, I worked in a few very different positions. These experiences taught me that I want to pursue a career that will challenge me, while allowing me to serve others. After attending a Navy JAG Corps informational session, I realized the JAG Corps is the perfect fit. While I hope to ultimately serve in the JAG Corps upon graduation, I applied to the internship this summer so I can begin to understand what it takes to be an officer in the JAG Corps. I want to learn the skills necessary to succeed as both a military attorney and as a leader. It is a new challenge that I am excited to take on."   

Kelcey Hoffman
University of La Verne, College of Law
Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals
"This summer I hope to soak up and learn as much as possible from this experience both professionally and recreationally in the area. I’m excited to experience something completely new and hopefully finish with a wealth of experience and knowledge as well as a better understanding of how JAG works."    

Reid M. Truett
Temple University Beasley School of Law
United States Naval Academy
"I applied for the Navy JAG Corps intern program with the ultimate goal of becoming a Navy JAG Corps officer. I have always wanted to enter a career in public service with the goal of serving my future clients while supporting a larger mission. After learning more about the Navy JAG Corps, I quickly realized that a career as a judge advocate is the most effective way to accomplish this goal by directly serving Sailors and their families while simultaneously serving our nation. I look forward to working alongside the officers at the Naval Academy and gaining practical experience of what it is like to serve as a judge advocate."   

Gloria Neilson
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Region Legal Service Office Midwest
"I applied to the Navy JAG internship because I wanted to learn what it means to be a Judge Advocate. A career in public service was always the goal, but it was not until I started law school that I considered a career in the military. Interning with the Navy JAGC allows me to combine my passion for public service and interest in national security while I learn about law in a military context. I look forward to the opportunity to develop my professional skills as I pursue a career in military law and hope to one day commission as a Navy judge advocate."  

Evan Draim
George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School
U.S. Naval Academy
"I have always been passionate about finding a career that allows me to serve others and contribute to a cause greater than myself. On my dad's side, I come from a Navy family; on my mom's side, my grandparents were Hungarian immigrants. Both my paternal and maternal grandparents taught me about patriotism in very different - yet equally compelling - ways, and I have long desired to serve my country in uniform. I also have a strong passion for advocacy. The JAG corps seems like the perfect way to fuse my desire to serve my country with my passion for law and advocacy. I wanted to pursue an internship with the Navy JAG corps to learn more about what to expect from a career with the JAG corps and how to make myself a compelling candidate."   

Erica Askew
Albany Law School
Region Legal Service Office Southeast
"Generations of my family have chosen to serve our country through military service, while I have chosen to serve others through the law. My journey to law school has reinforced the importance of serving others as one of my core values. I applied to the Navy JAG Corps internship program to explore the work of a JAG lawyer before deciding if it was a path I wanted to pursue. This internship presents a unique opportunity to explore different areas of practice so I can further direct my interests while still in law school. I hope to gain insight into the work of JAG lawyers as well as unparalleled hands-on experience. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to get a closer look into what it means to be a JAG lawyer by immersing myself in the practice this summer."  

Alexander Muench
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Region Legal Service Office Naval District Washington
"This summer I hope to gain a better understanding of what life is like serving in the Navy JAG Corps. From a legal perspective, I wish to experience some of the various areas of law the Navy JAG Corps practices while improving my written and oral skills. Furthermore, I want to build camaraderie with my colleagues by participating in activities like physical training. I also hope to get to know Washington, D.C., better."   

Evan Jones
Loyola Law School
Defense Service Office North
"My undergraduate career introduced me to the world of academic research, and helped solidify my understanding of the impact it has on any number of policy decisions. Following graduation, I became more interested in foreign affairs, national security strategy, and diplomatic relations. The importance of these topics has lead me to focus my legal career on these international issues. I appreciate the discipline and effectiveness that those in the JAG program espouse. I applied to the program to learn effective research and litigation skills, and hope to use my time in the program to enhance my skills and discover if I am a good fit for the career path."   

Madison George
SMU Dedman School of Law
Region Legal Service Office Southeast
"By participating in a summer internship with the Navy JAG Corps I hope to gain practical legal knowledge and experience while helping my country by assisting our service men and women. I have been interested in a career in the JAG Corps since I first heard about the program in junior high, and I believe that interning at the RLSO will help me gain inside knowledge into what it means to be a JAG that would be unavailable in any other context. I look forward to learning from my supervisors not only what it means to be a successful JAG but a successful advocate."   

Chris Jusuf
Catholic University of America - Columbus School of Law
Administrative Law (Code 13)
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the OJAG summer internship program. I'm especially looking forward to learning as much as I can from our sponsors in the Pentagon and officials throughout Washington. National security is one of the most rapidly evolving fields of law and I'm excited to contribute in any way I can to the OJAG's important role in advancing the Navy's posture and interests. I also look forward to working with and learning from my fellow interns on the program."  

Jackson Zemanong
University of San Diego School of Law
Region Legal Service Office Southwest
"I applied because I plan to join the navy as a JAG after graduating law school. Before doing so I hoped to see what practicing law in the navy is like and what it entails. I also wanted to make sure that this was the for me and that I was the right fit for the navy."    

Christine DiPaolo
University of Florida Levin College of Law
Region Legal Service Office Southeast
"I am looking forward to learning more about the Navy, including the ins and outs of the JAG Corp. I am also excited to tour some ships and aircraft! Additionally, I look forward to gaining the experience necessary for me to further my goal of hopefully joining the Navy JAG Corp."    

Caroline Latimer
University of South Carolina School of Law
Region Legal Service Office Hawaii
“Like many other Americans, I am fortunate to have a long tradition of military service in my family. I have several retired or active military mentors and role models, including my father, who have urged me to explore the JAG Corps. Because of their experiences, I want to use my legal education to serve my country and to serve the men and women enlisted in the military. Through my internship with the Navy JAG Corps, I hope to gain an insight into the daily life of a JAG and leave with a deeper understanding of the military legal community. I am excited to learn more about the life, community, and career of a judge advocate.”   

Christopher R. Schroeder
Elon University School of Law
Mayport Trial Division
"My goals for life are two-fold: practice law to ensure justice for all and serve in the United States Navy. Applying for this internship is one of the first steps to ensuring that I can attain both of my goals at once. After graduating from law school, I hope to continue my family’s tradition of serving in the United States Navy. My family has a rich tradition of military service. Outside of one grandfather in the Army, I come from a Navy family. The other grandfather, a grandmother, and my father have all proudly served in the Navy, and it is my goal to continue the tradition and eventually join the United States Navy JAG Corps."  

Kristin Lahaszow
UC Hastings
Commander, Navy Installations Command
"With members of my family in each branch of the military, I see what type of passion and discipline is required to be a member of the United States military. Each Navy JAG Corps officer I encounter is dedicated, honorable and a zealous advocate. The Navy JAG Corps offers a legal career with a large breadth of practice areas with complex situations – both domestic and international. I applied for this internship to be immersed in a community of mentors and peers all dedicated to service and excellence."

Thomas Siu
University of Virginia School of Law
Region Legal Service Office Southeast
"I applied for the Navy JAG intern program because I am seeking a career that makes a difference. Whether providing legal advice to commanders at sea or to Navy families back home, the JAG Corps offers opportunities to support sailors as they fulfill the ultimate mission of the Navy: protecting America from its enemies. The Navy offers an opportunity to use my legal skills for something far more significant than just a paycheck, and I hope to use the internship to evaluate whether service in the Navy JAG Corps is my calling."  

Mary Katherine Byrne
Georgia State University College of Law
Defense Service Office Southeast
"I applied for a position with the U.S. Navy JAG Corp because I believe it challenges one to go outside the typical norms of a legal career.  I know I want to have a career in public service and think that being a JAG is an excellent way to serve.  I did not grow up around the military but have been able to see the values and high expectations from my brother who is an Officer.  I was attracted to apply as a way to explore service to the country and also to have the ability to directly impact members of the military through the legal field is appealing to me."  

Keith Kronenberg
University at Buffalo School of Law
Region Legal Service Office Midwest
"When I was a child, my grandfather told me stories about his time serving in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War. His shared memories left me with the lasting impression that serving one’s country is among the highest of callings. America’s way of life has been and continues to be preserved by men and women who have answered this calling. Through my internship, I hope to make the first step in accomplishing my goal of serving as a Navy judge advocate."   

Matt Yelverton
University of North Carolina School of Law
Region Legal Service Office Naval District Washington
"I look forward to interning with the Navy JAG Corps as a first step in a career of public service leadership. The combination of military service and legal practice is an exciting possibility for a career devoted to serving others and I look forward to learning from these dedicated sailors. I’m excited to participate in the work of an RLSO and better understand the rewards and challenges of a career in the Navy JAG Corps."   

Spencer Lindsay
George Washington University Law School
Northern Judicial Circuit - Navy and Marine Corps Trial Judiciary
"I applied to for the Navy JAG Corps internship program because I wanted the opportunity to serve my county while gaining real-world legal training and experience towards my ultimate goal of joining the Navy JAG Corps. I grew up in rural Central Nebraska but chose to attend law school in Washington, DC because of the region's close connection to the Navy JAG Corps in the DC area. I have always appreciated the dedication and sacrifice required to be a member of a team, and wanted to pursue the opportunity to become a member of the United States Navy."  

Alling Remsen
Georgetown University Law Center
Region Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic
"I have always been passionate about service and I applied to the Navy JAG Corps internship because it seems like a great way to combine my interests with my goal of pursuing a career as an attorney. Interning with the JAG Corps will provide an amazing opportunity for me to assist with work I find meaningful while exposing me to a career I may potentially pursue. I am looking forward to working with Norfolk’s Trial Department, as I am interested in litigation, and I am excited to learn more about the Navy in general."   

Eric Limbert
North Carolina Central University School of Law
Region Legal Service Office Naval District Washington
"I applied for the Navy JAG Corps intern program with the goal of continuing my Navy career as a Navy judge advocate after law school. A summer internship with the Navy JAG Corps seemed like the best method to obtain hands-on experience being a Navy lawyer. I wanted to experience what a Navy lawyer goes through daily, so I could better prepare myself for the road ahead. I entered law school to make a difference in the community and with this mindset, I wish to help other veterans. I am both excited and honored to have the opportunity to participate in the Navy JAG Corps intern program. I hope to learn from current Navy judge advocates and contribute to the Navy JAG Corps mission of “Dedicated to Service, Committed to Excellence.”  

Michael Zucker
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Administrative Law Division (Code 13)
"I am interested in a career in Navy JAG and a future in National Security Law.  This internship is a way for me to “test the waters” and consider applying to JAG during my 2L year.  I was told by a Navy JAG recruiter at Case Western that the Navy lets JAGs specialize in an area of law of their choice.  I hope that service as a Navy JAG could lead to a career in National Security Law allowing me to serve my country and the cause of world peace."  

Scott Meyer
The College of William and Mary
Region Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic
"During my internship, I hope to learn more about how the military and the law intersect through the eyes of current judge advocates. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to get real-world experience as a legal intern, while still getting to work with the men and women who serve our country every day. Over the course of the summer, I want to learn how the law is administered in the Navy at both a strategic and tactical level. Additionally, the prospect of being able to assist, even in a very small way, the largest naval power in the world is incredibly exciting!"   

Ben Rogers
University of Minnesota Law School
Defense Service Office West
"I applied for the Navy JAG Corps intern program because of my aspiration to join the Navy JAG Corps after graduating from law school. Navy JAG officers make a difference by engaging with rigorous areas of legal practice in an elite organization which sets the bar at excellence every day. The value the JAG Corps places on early experiential development and rapid growth in leadership presents an unrivaled opportunity for young legal professionals to become better as attorneys and as humans through service. This internship offers a valuable opportunity to gain insight into that daily service while experiencing, firsthand, real-world legal issues where the goals are honorable. I chose to attend law school to continue impacting communities and I aspire to do that in a career that serves both the Navy and justice simultaneously. The Navy JAG Corps intern program allows me to glimpse that career this summer."
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