Posted: July 2nd, 2018
Gabriela Mejias (JD ’19) talks about her summer position at the New York County Defender Services. She also talks about her decision to attend Wake Forest School of Law.
Where do you call home?
Athens, Georgia
Where did you study for your undergraduate degree?
University of Georgia
Are you working your 2L summer?
Yes. I am a legal intern at New York County Defender Services.
Are you working in a specific area of law?
Public defense – it is interesting and extremely fulfilling work, because it provides direct legal representation to community members who need it the most.
Describe a typical day at your summer position.
There is no typical day as a legal intern at New York County Defender Services, which is why I find it so exciting. Tasks range from representing my own clients at arraignments in criminal court, completing research and writing assignments in the office, interviewing clients in jail, going on investigations, and more.
Did you work your 1L summer?
Yes. I was a legal intern at the New York Legal Aid Society Criminal Defense Practice.
Why did you decide to attend Wake Forest Law?
I decided to attend Wake Forest Law because of a combination of factors – the small size, the wide geographic range of employment placement, and generous financial aid.
Describe the Wake Forest community.
The Wake Forest community is extremely close-knit and welcoming. I feel that I know almost every student and faculty member, even if I haven’t been inside the classroom with them.
What are you involved in outside the classroom?
I am president of the Student Bar Association as well as the business and online editor on the Journal of Business and Intellectual Property Law. Participating in these activities has helped me meet people outside of the classroom and contribute to the law school community in a tangible way.
What do you do for fun in Winston-Salem when you aren’t studying?
Grab brunch or dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants in downtown Winston-Salem.
Where do you want your law degree to take you?
My ultimate goal is to be a public defender in New York City. Considering that my time at Wake Forest Law has already helped me attain two internships in this field and area, I am confident that my future degree can help me accomplish this goal.
