Before our summer interns return to law school this fall, we want to highlight the excellent work they’ve done and the knowledge they’ve gained along the way.
We’ve had the joy of hosting two brilliant legal interns this summer. Tiffany Eubanks was the recipient of our ACLU of South Carolina Legal Internship. Leah Cohen came to us via the Southern Legal Internship Program (SLIP), an initiative of the ACLU and National Black Law Students Association.
We plan to resume both of these internship programs in summer 2025, so keep an eye out for applications this fall. In the meantime, we’re sharing a few words of wisdom from Tiffany and Leah. Under the guidance of Staff Attorney Meredith McPhail, they did meaningful work and brought fresh perspectives to our entire team. We at the ACLU-SC are so glad they decided to spend a summer working alongside us.
Where are you in law school right now, and do you have an idea of what area of law you would like to practice?
TIFFANY: I’m a 3L at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law. I’m still trying to settle on what area of law I’d like to practice, but civil rights litigation has definitely caught my interest.
LEAH: I am a rising third year law student at Georgia State University College of Law in Atlanta, Georgia. At this point in my legal career, I am still open to opportunities in various areas of law. I came into law school wanting to do family law, but I’m ending it with a broader perspective, and I’m excited about the possibilities for my career.
How would you describe a typical day in your internship?
TIFFANY: A typical day in my internship involved participating in meetings then working on a brand new assignment. Because of the vast array of assignments, no day was quite the same — one day I would be working on a memo, and the next was spent conducting research to prepare for expert depositions.
LEAH: A typical day in my internship started with checking emails and prioritizing the various assignments I was given. Throughout the day, I drafted memos, conducted research, attended depositions, joined meetings and calls, and more. Each day brought its own learning opportunities, and I made sure to take advantage of every moment.
What has been the most exciting part of the internship for you this summer?
TIFFANY: The most exciting facet of the internship for me was getting an up-close look at legal proceedings, such as participating in depositions of expert witnesses for trial. I’ve also really enjoyed getting to talk with the other ACLU-SC team. I found learning about who they are, what they do, and what motivates them was very inspiring.
LEAH: The most exciting part of my internship was the opportunity to be a part of a team that strived to make a difference every day. The opportunity to apply the law and my legal knowledge and previous experiences in such a meaningful way was exciting. The team at the ACLU of South Carolina is full of brilliant minds who want you to succeed.
What have you found the most challenging about your internship?
TIFFANY: For me, the most challenging part of my internship was trying to balance my schedule. There was an abundance of meetings to attend, all with very interesting topics, that sometimes overlapped with each other. This, coupled with the other work on my plate, often led to deliberations about what I could attend and for how long, if at all.
LEAH: The most challenging part of my internship honestly wasn’t the work or assignments; it was knowing that impact litigation doesn’t yield immediate results. So, knowing that I might not see the “fruits of my labor” for maybe even years to come was a mental challenge for me. But knowing I was contributing to the greater good kept me motivated!
What advice would you give to a law student who is considering applying for this internship?
TIFFANY: Be confident, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! I know it sounds easier said than done, but I promise it makes a larger difference in your learning experience than you think. Plus, the team is very friendly, and are just as invested in your success as you are.
LEAH: I would tell a law student considering applying for this internship to go for it; the ACLU is a fantastic place to be if you are interested and have a passion for public interest work and civil rights. Take advantage of opportunity, the people, and the resources available to you get the most out of your experience.
