Looking Back/Overall Insight

 University of Michigan has prepared me for this internship by giving me a quality education.  My supervisor has had me spell-check some of the employees reports for errors.  During my courses at the University of Michigan I believe we have uncovered the errors of our society as well as produce solutions we think may help alleviate the problem.  I feel this is a step beyond what other Universities may do in just analyzing the problem itself.  This problem solving approach generated by theUniversity of Michigan has helped me to have a more proactive mind-set.  My liberal-arts education has helped to develop my reading comprehension and writing skills.  I believe these two skills are particularly important to be a successful attorney. 

There is one major event that I have found particularly interesting.  I have had the opportunity to sit in on a week long trial.  I had faith in the jury to make a decision based on evidence, science, and the law.  However, in my opinion, the jury decided on a terrible verdict without any basis on the case information, but rather with their personal opinions towards the counsel.  This was very discouraging and disappointing to me.  I was under the impression a jury would uphold their civic responsibility and serve the public but this did not seem to be the case whatsoever.  As an individual that wants to practice law I learned a big lesson in that courtroom over the week.  Now I understand this may not always be the case regarding jury verdicts, but I was astounded in their decision, considering the judge’s verdict was the complete opposite.  

Note: This blog does not reflect the thoughts/opinions of the Ohio Attorney General's Office 

Changing Perspectives

A few of my perceptions have changed from the time of my fist blog post and now, and a few have remained the same.  I still believe the environment I work in at the Attorney General’s office is very uplifting and positive and a place I hope to be in the future as a lawyer.  Many of my preconceived notions regarding law firms were that lawyers were “sharks” and were stressed out most of the time. Everyone I work with seems to always be in a pleasant mood and greet me everyday.  We’ve had one office lunch and beforehand, many people in the office wanted to make sure I was attending the lunch and that I knew it was okay for me to attend. Then afterwards made sure I had enough to eat and wanted to send me home with leftovers.  In my office, people look out for one another and want to help each other.  I have heard many stories about how at private law firms people are afraid they are after your job and are trying to go over your head.  I do not experience any of that at the Attorney General’s office.  In fact, many people have served as great mentors and resources for me to advance in my career. 

note: this blog does not reflect the thoughts/opinions of the Attorney General's Office

Overcoming Obstacles

Overcoming Obstacles 

At this point in my internship I feel like I am getting along very well with my supervisor.  He said I am doing a good job in the office and is working on plans for me to do a future legal internship with the office when I am in law school.  Coming into this internship I had no prior knowledge on how to accomplish any jobs they have given me.  In that regard, I have surprised myself with how well I have handled various tasks. I've dealt with evidence and court runs, which I believe I handled well and very much enjoyed because these tasks have provided me insight into the functions of the office.  Some of the challenges I have faced while working in the office would be not knowing how all of the technology in the office works.  Some attorneys or agents will give me a task to do and I have to figure out how to go about accomplishing that specific task.  On numerous occasions I have asked the receptionist or a legal secretary and they have been very nice about helping me.  I do not think I would have handled these situations any differently because I would rather ask easy questions than try to do the job myself and get it wrong.  

Note: this blog does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of the Attorney General's Office

Getting to Know your Colleagues

So far I have had a wonderful experience at the Attorney General's Office.  All of my colleagues have been extremely helpful and welcoming and I have witnessed many people being potential mentors to me throughout this internship.  I have met two people specifically that have provided me with much knowledge about the professional environment I am working in.  One of my potential mentors is a young attorney that has worked for a year in our office.  We have had many conversations about what law school is like and her experience practicing law.  So far she has provided great insight for me regarding what I am to expect if I choose to become a lawyer.  My other mentor is a special agent that has been working in the field for thirty years.  I am excited to have more conversations with these people and continue to gain more knowledge about health care fraud.

note: This blog does not reflect the thoughts/opinions of the Ohio Attorney General's office.

Environment/Initial Impressions

I have just finished up the first week of my internship in the Attorney General’s office.  I have been placed in the criminal section dealing with health care fraud.  I am thrilled to be working here because I plan on going to law school and receiving my Masters in Public Health.  My first week on the job has been an absolutely wonderful experience.  Everyone in the office is extremely nice and willing to help me or answer any questions I may have.  The office has arranged me with my own room, laptop, and phone.  The office includes positions from section chief to receptionist.  However, I do not feel a sense of superiority or hierarchy.  The special agent supervisor comes in to my office multiple times a day and asks me how I am and how everything is going. The attorneys have all been extremely nice and talk to me as a colleague rather than an intern.  Because I work in a law office everyone has to wear professional attire.  However, suits are required when going to court.  The office is filled with diverse individuals from different backgrounds, races, and gender.  I am looking forward to everything I am going to learn during my time here. 

Note: This blog does not reflect the thoughts/opinions of the Attorney General's Office

CEO for a Day

The Ohio Attorney General’s office does not technically have a CEO, however, there is an elected politician to run the office as the Attorney General.  The current Ohio Attorney General, Mike Dewine, is an advocate for child and family protection.  DeWine has created programs to identify and arrest sexual predators, improve school safety, human trafficking, child abuse and bullying. 

As Attorney General I would focus on the issues plaguing our society both on the local and national level.  I feel as though the current Attorney General has accomplished admirable work on targeting a few of those areas, but I would add a few more. Human trafficking is something that has continuously been a growing problem in the state of Ohio.  I would generate as much efforts as I could to prevent any source of human trafficking. 

I would also extend my efforts in preventing child abuse to include domestic abuse as well, and helping victims escape harmful situations and create a life for themselves after the abuse

Heroin abuse has also become a major problem in the state of Ohio.  I would increase the staff of drug trafficking officers to help take heroin off the streets. 

Bullying is a huge issue in America right now.  I would try my best to prevent any types of bullying, especially cyber bullying, in young teens.      

I think the best way to stop systematic issues is to start by implementing programs in the community.  People need a way out of their problems.  I would start programs to help victims of domestic violence and human trafficking get jobs or a new home.  I would have workshops to teach children to value themselves and others, and encourage each other rather than be mean to one another.  I would also tell children there is another option and place to get help.  In addition to fixing what is already a problem, we need to prevent the problem from escalading.  

Not to mention free coffee to all AG employees....

Note: The opinions expressed in this blog do not reflect the opinions of the Ohio Attorney General's Office

Inside the ER: EMRAP Round 2 (CEO for a Day)

If I was in charge of running this organization, I would give more opportunities for professional development in class. For instance, majority of the EMRAPers are juniors that want to attend medical school. I would provide them with mentors who can teach them how to conquer the medical school application process; I would hire people who can help them with mock interviews (similar to how we did mock consents before being able to enroll patients in studies).

Also, if I was in charge, I would provide EMRAPers with certification classes for CPR/First AID and any other classes that they may need for jobs such as patient care technicians. I would also provide internships for them after they finish with their EMRAP internship so that they can continue to professionally develop.

Another aspect that I would change is to provide EMRAPers with more opportunities to get together outside of class. For instance, I would host a movie night/study night outside of classes and provide the EMRAPers with snacks and food. I would also provide EMRAPers with free food of their choice during their shifts; I would also give them several gifts such as EMRAP t-shirts, portfolios, pens, etc. I want to do this because I want the EMRAPers feel that they are appreciated for their work.

These are some things I would do if I was CEO for day, but for now, I think I will just stick to being a clinical research assistant.