This is part one of a series where Santa Clara Law students discuss their summer work experiences. Kim-Yen Descamp JD ’23 was a Judicial Intern II at the Santa Clara County Superior Court in the Family Division in the summer of 2021.
Q: What work did you do within your internship?
A: During my time interning for the Court, I was able to observe court proceedings/hearings; help Judges with Calendar Preparation, which is essentially summarizing the legal and factual issues of the 20-30 cases the Judge will be hearing on that specific date; attend seminars and panels on Family Law hosted by the Judges and Commissioners; and write research memos and get direct feedback from the Judge.
Q: How did Santa Clara Law help prepare you for your internship journey both while searching for one and during your experience?
A: The Office of Career Management helped me find this internship opportunity and they also helped prepare me for the interviews by reviewing my application materials and hosting mock interviews. Additionally, I was able to use my knowledge from our doctrinal classes to guide my research, and I used the skills I learned in LARAW to help write memos and case summaries.
Q: What was the biggest takeaway from your internship?
A: The most valuable lesson I learned this summer interning at the Court is that you get out of an experience only what you put into it. If you put effort into what you are doing and put yourself out there, you will have a much more rewarding experience than if you sit back and just observe passively.
Q: What advice would you give current law students looking for their next internship?
A: Don’t give up! I didn’t find my internship until after Spring grades were released. I would also recommend that you try something different, this is your time to really figure out what it is you like or dislike and in my experience, you don’t really know until you try working in that field of law or working in a certain office.
