Bethany Johnson

This spring, four Law and Policy students interned with different parts of our criminal justice system. Each provided valuable services while also gaining first-hand experience.  Both Bethany Johnson and Margarita Varaksa interned with the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office; Margarita worked in Pierce County’s Juvenile Court while Bethany was in its Property Crimes division.  Amy Magnuson worked down south with the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office.  Among other things, Amy filed petitions and notices of hearings, prepared Orders of Non Compliance and Bench Warrants, handled discovery, and logged trial exhibits.  Kanani Palafox worked for Pierce County’s Department of Assigned Council.  Kanani found her internship to be provocative. Reflectin

Margarita Varaksa (right)

g on her experiences, she commented: “I often sit with alleged criminals, and find myself wondering about their lives. How did they get here? What circumstances in their lives led them to being incarcerated? How are their families affected by their choices?  And some moments at work strike a chord with me, and I realize it is what I want to do as a career. Being an advocate and a voice for justice is something I continue to be passion about.”

Kanani Palafox

All four students met their major’s capstone requirement by writing a substantial policy paper corresponding with their weekly internship obligations. Their supervisors were all thrilled with the extra support the four provided to each of their offices.  “She’s a keeper!” said Amy’s supervisor Wendy Ireland.  “As good as any of our paralegals.”