Real Cases. Real Experience.
“My internship with the Texas General Land Office was an extremely rewarding experience, mostly because it allowed me to be closely involved in environmental litigation heard at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. In my internship I researched new and exciting topics in environmental law for the GLO, including wind energy development, beach erosion, and coastal land use. I also got to know the critical statutes for Texas environmental law very well, by analyzing changes in coastal regulatory provisions for the agency. My colleagues at the GLO completely welcomed my assistance, and as the only legal intern, I felt like I was meaningfully contributing to their work. I was included in internal meetings, and my supervisor was always available to answer any of my questions.
“The most extraordinary part of my internship was the opportunity to work on litigation that ended up being heard at the Fifth Circuit. Through my analysis of coastal environmental statutes, I had gained close to an expertise in the subject, and I was invited to join in the development of litigation techniques for the case. Before long, I found myself at the center of the table, surrounded by private attorneys from top firms and from the AG’s office, helping to develop oral arguments for the case. Had it not been for the strong support of my supervisors at the GLO, there is no way I could have had such a fantastic opportunity to develop skills I will certainly use in my legal career. Further, I was invited to attend the oral arguments at the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans, which really proved to me the incredible opportunity the internship program had granted to me. By gaining an inside perspective on government environmental litigation, I feel that I have benefitted enormously from my internship experience.”
—Shannon Sims, ’11