Padilla Law, P.C. - Colorado and New Mexico Attorneys At Law. 970-764-4547
  • Home
  • Attorneys
    • Beth A. Padilla
    • Paul E. Padilla
  • Areas of Practice
  • First Draft Blog
  • Client Testimonials
  • Resources
  • Contact Us

Padilla Law, P.C.: An Intern's Perspective

10/11/2013

0 Comments

 
-- Martha Burwell, Pre-Law Intern for Padilla Law, P.C., Summer 2013

Spending the summer working with Beth and Paul Padilla has not only been meaningful, but also extremely interesting, educational, and fun.  On my first day, the Padillas showed me around the office, including the small desk and computer that they had purchased especially for their new intern – or in other words, for me—to use.  Then Beth and I went straight to court for a hearing, and quickly back to the office where I observed a client meeting conducted in Spanish.  This high-paced work would continue for the next 4 months, while I spent about 10 hours a week in the office, in the court room, and even delivering subpoenas.

Since I have an interest in human rights and immigration, and I speak Spanish, about three quarters of my work was done with Beth.  She taught me how to draft letters to clients, and how to put together petitions for immigration clients, by sorting through evidence and creating exhibits.  She also gave me some tools for conducting legal research.  I was invited to sit in on client meetings, which often took place in Spanish, where I observed first hand the complex world of immigration. 

At first, this work which was so new to me seemed a little abstract; however, it was all made real when I met the clients with whom Beth was working.  This was really making an impact on their lives—she was helping them become U.S. citizens. 

Another side of Beth’s work which interested me was her role as Guardian Ad Litem, where she represents the best interests of children.  Beth advocates for children who have few others to speak on their behalf.  Although the hearings could be tough to watch, it was very interesting to see the integral importance of the role Beth plays.

Some of my time was spent with Paul, who also proved to be an adept and enthusiastic teacher.  He invited me to observe in court, and spent time explaining legal concepts, going over the cases he was involved in.  It was particularly interesting to follow one case, in family law, all the way through, and see the results.  He also emphasized to me a very important trait to have as a lawyer: meticulous and detailed organization. 

I experienced another aspect of law with Paul—delivery of subpoenas.  While delivering letters, in person, which order the recipient to testify in court, I saw many faces change to confused, angry, happy, scared, or apathetic.  An interesting job to say the least!

My internship culminated with a VAWA case.  VAWA stands for the Violence Against Women Act, and for women immigrants, it is extremely important.  VAWA states that any woman who has been abused by her U.S. citizen spouse, can petition for herself to become a lawful permanent resident, rather than wait for her spouse to petition on her behalf, as the law normally requires.  This was a heart-wrenching and complicated case, but with Beth’s guidance, I put together the extensive exhibits, with overwhelming evidence in the client’s favor.  I have yet to hear the results of the petition, but I very much hope it is approved and the client can free herself from the cycle of violence. 

Going to law school is an enormous investment.  I have asked myself countless times if this purchase of education is worth 25 years of debt.  Interning at Padilla Law was a chance to really see what being a lawyer means, in a day-to-day sense.  How would my time be spent?  Would I enjoy it?  Would I thrive at it? I am very grateful to Beth and Paul for allowing me the chance to explore this, gaining invaluable insight into what it means to practice law in a small firm – leaving me in a better position to one day embark on my own career in law.

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Padilla Law, P.C.

    First Draft is a collaborative effort between Beth and Paul Padilla, both equity partners in the firm, and is intended to give you a brief overview of current legal topics and let you know what effects those issues may have in your life.

    RSS Feed

    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Archives

    March 2022
    September 2021
    June 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    July 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    October 2018
    May 2018
    August 2017
    July 2017
    March 2017
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    May 2015
    April 2015
    September 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011

    Categories

    All
    Administration
    Banking
    Community
    Constitution
    Criminal
    Employment Law
    Environmental
    Family
    Immigration
    Insurance
    Juvenile
    Land Use
    Marijuana
    Oil & Gas
    Probate
    Property
    Real Estate
    Recreation
    Small Business
    Technology