Get to know four Social Justice Law Center summer interns
Many law students spend their summers in private sector internships earning a competitive pay, while others pursue opportunities at government agencies or nonprofit organizations—often without compensation. This past summer, four Case Western Reserve University School of Law students of the Juris Doctor (JD) program applied their legal studies firsthand as Social Justice Law Center interns.
Supported by the Harry K. and Emma R. Fox Charitable Foundation, Sarah Park, Angelina Booher, Molly Fank and Emma Baughman each received a $5,000 stipend to help cover living expenses, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their internships.
From advocating for veterans to working on federal public defense cases, their experiences not only sharpened their legal expertise but also deepened their commitment to justice—skills and perspectives they’ll carry forward as future attorneys in the Class of 2026.
Read on to learn about their experiences.
Sarah Park
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
As a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs intern Sarah Park supported the Office of General Counsel’s Information and Administrative Law Group, where she researched case law for administrative appeals under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)—a federal law that allows individuals to access records from executive branch agencies.
Her role demanded close attention to statutory language and evolving case law, as well as a nuanced understanding of how to balance the government’s duty of transparency with its obligation to safeguard sensitive information, particularly veterans’ personal data.
In addition to her FOIA work, Park drafted memos supporting pending federal district court litigation and prepared responses to congressional inquiries.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship was seeing how legal analysis directly informs real-world decisions at one of the largest federal agencies,” Park said. “The experience deepened my interest in public service and federal information law, while sharpening my legal research and writing skills in a highly collaborative, mission-driven environment.”
Angelina Booher
Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Ohio
What began as a curiosity about federal public defense quickly turned into a potential career path for Angelina Booher, who interned for the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Ohio.
During her experience, Booher saw firsthand the average day-to-day of a federal public defense attorney—from visiting real-life clients in lock-up before court appearances and witnessing a full jury trial to observing supervised release violation, detention and other hearings.
The most rewarding part of the internship for Booher was the chance to ask questions and tackle complexities of federal criminal law—ranging from a fourth amendment probable cause issue to Miranda issues for non-English speakers.
Booher also noted being part of a sentencing memorandum as a memorable part of her experience, where she saw the project from its beginning, sat in on a change of plea hearing and accompanied an attorney to a prison in Youngstown to visit the client and sit in on his pre-sentence interview.
“I cannot recommend this internship enough for anybody who has an interest in criminal law or federal practice in general,” Booher shared. “The in-office mentorship is unmatched—I felt welcomed and like I was part of the team from day one.”
Molly Fank
Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Ohio
Placed in the Capital Habeas Unit, Molly Fank worked on death penalty habeas petitions and complex, ongoing litigation in the criminal legal system—an experience that gave her a deeper understanding of how cases unfold over time and how habeas litigation fits into the broader process.
By drafting two sentencing memoranda, Fank learned to combine legal arguments with clients’ life experiences to advocate effectively. She also gained valuable insight into approaching complex federal cases strategically while sharpening her research and writing skills.
Throughout the internship, Fank benefited from regular check-ins with supervising attorneys and mentors who provided guidance, helped her set goals, and connected her with opportunities tailored to her interests.
“I never felt like just another intern—I felt like a member of their team,” Fank said, describing the office as collaborative, supportive and welcoming. “The work itself was heavy, but I always felt comfortable and motivated at work.”
Emma Baughman
Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Ohio
Throughout her experience in the Capital Habeas Unit, Emma Baughman observed firsthand the potential impact dedicated advocacy can have on clients navigating the most difficult moments of their lives.
Empowered to grow both professionally and personally, Baughman helped attorneys prepare petitions and develop case strategies in federal habeas proceedings—where convicted individuals ask a federal court to review their case due to potential constitutional rights violations.
Baughman also drafted an administrative appeal to obtain critical records for a client’s case, met with incarcerated individuals to discuss their cases and reviewed the history of policing in Cleveland—particularly overarching patterns of police use-of-force and racial tensions in the community.
“These conversations reminded me of the importance of learning each client’s unique story and perspective,” said Baughman, who was challenged to think critically about complex legal issues and direct consequences for clients of various backgrounds.
“Each day, the talented attorneys I worked with demonstrated skill and compassion for clients, peers and interns alike,” she said. “These qualities are essential when advocating for individuals who often feel forgotten or overlooked by the criminal justice system.”
