As I reflect on the past three months of my internship with the Luzerne County Public Defender’s Office, I’ve walked away with an even greater appreciation for the dedicated professionals who often serve as the “last line of defense” between their clients and the loss of freedoms. Whether negotiating plea deals, advocating for treatment options, or fighting for a lesser charge, these lawyers have taught me that a “win” is not always a ‘not guilty’ verdict.
When people are at their lowest, public defenders remain their corner, ensuring their voice is heard and their rights are protected. This does not mean that public defenders excuse their clients’ actions. Rather, they serve as a protective layer against abuses of power and unfair sentencing while ethically advocating for the best possible outcomes for their client. This has helped me separate my personal judgement from what the law requires. I understand that attorneys hold a professional responsibility to follow rulings and laws. Likewise, this has allowed me to sharpen my critical thinking skills when I’ve reviewed cases and observed court proceedings. Rather than drawing an immediate conclusion, I’ve examined the facts, weighed the different perspectives, and, if applicable, watched the attorney fight it in court. Furthermore, I often follow-up with questions regarding their strategy and thought process, further fostering my understanding of legal advocacy.
Certain decisions carry legal consequences that aim to balance the needs of the community and the rehabilitative needs of the defendant. Regardless of a defendant’s background, the law should equally apply to them as it does to anyone else. Public defenders ensure that even the most vulnerable have access to high-quality legal representation. Without them, our justice system could not truly serve justice.
– William Burke, Business Communication 2027
William, I am so glad to hear that your time and hard work at the Luzerne County Public Defenders Office has impacted you greatly. I am happy to hear that you not only learned so much but also got to experience being put into different perspectives within law decision making. I am sure that this experience will help you greatly in your future, and creating more overall decisions in your life!
It sounds like a wonderful internship where you gained a lot of knowledge and experience. Great job!