Summer Experiences: Sabrina Huang, ’26, Summer Law Clerk, Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender
Sabrina Huang, ’26, is spending her summer in Southern California working in the Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender’s Office. The office handles cases on which the Public Defender’s Office has declared a conflict. Pursing this internship was a natural choice for Huang, who wants to become a litigator.
How did you connect with this summer opportunity?
I knew from the get-go that I wanted to intern at a public defender's office because of my interests in access to justice and criminal law. I also knew that I wanted to work in Southern California as my family lives in the region. Having settled on geography and practice area, I applied to various public defender's offices in SoCal. The Alternate Public Defender's Office was the first office to respond to my application, and I was fortunate enough to receive an offer.
How does your experience connect with what you currently envision doing with your law degree?
I want to be a litigator. My experience has shown me how litigators zealously advocate for their clients and has strengthened skills that I am sure I will use in the future. Researching legal issues has allowed me to think critically about prickly topics and apply what I learned in the classroom to meaningful projects. Further, observing different lawyering styles both inside and outside of the courtroom has taught me what kind of lawyer I want to be.
Please describe a “typical” day at work.
I start the day off by working on assignments from attorneys in the office. Because assignments range from legal memoranda to motions, I research case law on Westlaw or read preliminary hearing transcripts. If I want to take a break from researching and writing, I sit in on a trial or preliminary hearing. It helps that the office is in the courthouse!
What is something you learned or experienced that was surprising or particularly compelling during this summer position?
Arraignments are terribly short. The purpose of an arraignment is to inform someone of the charges that have been filed against them and to set bail if necessary. For many people, it is the first time they see a judge. However, despite the importance of arraignments in ensuring due process, arraignments often take less than 10 minutes. During the first arraignment that I observed, I remember being shocked at how quickly the judge spoke to the defendant, their counsel, and the prosecutor. I also remember feeling disheartened when I saw how confused the defendant was. The experience reminded me that the legal system is intimidating, but with the assistance of counsel, it can be less so.
What are a couple of your key takeaways from the experience so far?
One, people are important. Being a public defender (and any attorney at that) is difficult, but if you have a strong support system, the job can be less stressful. Two, treat everyone with compassion. It is easy to pass judgment on others, especially when all you know about them is their worst mistake. However, at the end of the day, we are all human beings and deserve to be treated with respect.
What advice would you offer another law student contemplating working in a similar position next summer?
Do not be afraid to ask questions. No one expects you to have all the answers, and answers that you think are obvious may not be. In addition, talk to as many people as you can. Everyone, regardless of what office they work for, has unique lived experiences and can teach you so much.
How are you spending your free time this summer?
I am spending time with family, reading, and crocheting. I am happy to say I have made progress on a blanket I started crocheting last fall! I have also enjoyed taking long walks around my neighborhood.
What are you most looking forward to in returning to UChicago Law this fall?
I am excited to take classes that align with my career interests. I also look forward to participating in as many experiential learning opportunities as I can. On a personal note, I look forward to seeing fall foliage (a rare sight in SoCal).
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I am grateful to have met such wonderful people through my internship. They have taught me many valuable lessons that I will take with me. My experience would not have been the same without them, so I would like to thank them!