Summer Experiences: Dede Smith, ’26, Legal Intern, Brennan Center for Justice, US Attorney’s Office
Dede Smith, ’26, recently completed an internship with the US Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of New Jersey. With a keen interest in public service and civil rights, Smith is currently engaged in a second summer experience as a democracy program intern with the Brennan Center for Justice. (This Q&A focuses on his USAO experience.)
How did you connect with this summer opportunity?
I researched 1L summer associate scholarships, research assistant positions, and public interest internships—but I have a longstanding interest in government work. I ended up finding my first federal government opportunity through the Offices of the United States Attorneys (USAO) while being close to home.
How does your experience connect with what you currently envision doing with your law degree?
It was extremely important to me that I would be able to try civil rights work while also maintaining a close tie to government, as I see myself working for an agency later in my career. Along with continuing existing dreams, I knew federal government was at the top of my bucket list and continuing my New Jersey connection professionally was also important to me.
Please describe a “typical” day at work.
Normally, I would take on a couple cases for the day, which involved me doing legal research and general investigation work for projects. The legal research essentially consisted of Westlaw searches for similar fact patterns or analogous arguments. The investigations entailed anything from scouring media to finding publications by the investigated bodies. Drafting complaints and cite checking was also a part of my workload.
What is something you learned or experienced that was surprising or particularly compelling during this summer position?
I learned how much autonomy federal prosecutors have in pursuing a case, charges, and sentencing, along with how much of a benefit they provide to the community. Something extremely compelling in the NJ office is the intensive reentry program. [The program is designed to assist former federal prisoners who are “reentering” society following their incarceration, thereby reducing recidivism, improving public safety, and saving money.]
What are a couple of your key takeaways from the experience so far?
Prosecution is a vast and fulfilling field that allows for anything from gang crime work to civil rights action. I also found that there are many avenues to get to wherever I want to reach, and in government there are so many more options for me to explore.
What advice would you offer another law student contemplating working in a similar position next summer?
Go for it. But also, have an idea of what work you’d want to do there, because it provides the chance to do any and everything. The USAO is one of the best places for a future litigator, but as someone strongly considering transactional law, I find it to be one of the best places for legal education and experience as well.
How are you spending your free time this summer?
I have a trip with my extended family to the Smoky Mountains in late August. I’m also enjoying living at home, spending a lot of time with family and hometown friends.
What are you most looking forward to in returning to UChicago Law this fall?
I’m really excited for the opportunity to discover new courses and hopefully try out a clinic this year. I think no matter what I do, there are many options to look forward to.