Meet 5 Law Students Who Pursued Public Interest Internships This Summer
PIN is a student-led organization that is dedicated to supporting USD Knudson School of Law students who work unpaid summer internships with public interest organizations including government agencies, nonprofits, Native American legal services and public defender offices.
Following a record-setting year of fundraising through the annual PIN auction last spring, PIN was able to grant five fellowships to law students to help cover living expenses as they complete their summer internships.
Meet the five law students who are being supported through PIN fellowships and learn more about their summer internship experiences.
1. Peter Amponsah, East River Legal Services, Sioux Falls
Amponsah, a second-year law student, has been interning at East River Legal Services in Sioux Falls, where he serves as a summer law clerk. Some of his duties include conducting comprehensive research on diverse legal matters and assisting with the public benefits provision as part of the legal services rendered. Amponsah has also been able to work directly with clients.
“It is a source of great honor for me to contribute to the welfare of the vulnerable communities in South Dakota,” Amponsah said. “As I progress toward graduation, my aspirations lie in pursuing a career in public interest work, aiming to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need."
2. Cameron Morgan, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Sioux Falls
Morgan, a second-year law student, has been interning in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota in Sioux Falls. He works in both the criminal and civil divisions and assists attorneys by writing prosecutive memos, trial briefs, research memos, discovery logs, direct examinations, motions in limine, indictments and jury patterns. Morgan also has a chance to work with clients who are often federal or state employees who need assistance in making sure their legal work is accurate.
“Knowing that I am working in a capacity that helps keep South Dakota clean, safe and enjoyable for individuals and families is a great reward,” Morgan said.
3. Tracy Eich, 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Eich, a second-year law student, has been interning for Colorado's 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was assigned to the Special Victims Unit, and her tasks include writing motions and responses, taking notes during trials on juror behavior, and transcribing jail calls.
“I get to go to work every day and know that I am doing something to help victims of some truly horrible crimes,” said Eich. “I went into law school so that I could spend my life helping people, and working in public service has fueled my passion even further.”
4. Hannah Hyatt, Office of the State Public Defender, Billings, Montana
Hyatt, a third-year law student, has been interning at the Office of the State Public Defender in Billings, Montana, where she has had the opportunity to work directly with clients, helping them apply for treatment, gather bond factors, and discuss specific legal issues in their individual cases. Hyatt also conducts research and writes on constitutional law issues.
“I take pride in my work in indigent defense, and my desire to advocate for public interest law grows each day,” said Hyatt. “Montana and South Dakota are both very rural states, and with rurality comes difficulties to access justice. It is difficult to see members of my own community struggling; working in public interest is a way to give back and help those in need.”
5. Peyton Garbers, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Sioux Falls
Garbers, a second-year law student, has been interning in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota in Sioux Falls. Through this experience, he has had the opportunity to conduct legal research and write on both criminal and civil cases while witnessing the justice process from investigation to eventual conviction.
"I feel like a true representative of the community in doing meaningful work to protect the community,” said Garbers. “I have developed a deeper appreciation for the work these individuals do to make the community safer.”
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