Liz Dedman, '13

Long before she had to complete her required Jepson internship, Liz Dedman, '13, knew that she wanted to intern with a lawyer. 

“During my sophomore year of high school, my favorite teacher recommended her sister, a public defender, as someone for me to intern with during our Interim program in the winter,” says Dedman.

She has worked in the 21st Judicial District of Tennessee Public Defender’s Office regularly since then.

A leadership studies and political science double major and a law and the liberal arts minor, Dedman is interested in criminal law and says she could see herself continuing along this career path after graduating from Richmond and attending law school.

She explains with enthusiasm how she spends her time as an intern: “Each week, we are in court for a full three to four days for General Sessions Court, Circuit Court and Juvenile Court, while the other days are spent in the office preparing for the next court date. My responsibilities concentrate on assisting the public defender and all the assistant public defenders inside and outside of the courtroom.

“I also assist with trial preparation and legal investigation of evidence and crime scenes, as well as client interviews and examinations. In short, this internship allows me to learn how to practice as an attorney before I even enter law school, while simultaneously creating connections for future career opportunities.”

Dedman says she can see the difference in how she approaches a variety of situations thanks to her Jepson classes. “Whether you realize it or not, the case studies and theories get stuck in your head, and when you find yourself in certain situations, you remember them.”

Her advice to other Jepson students who are starting to look for internships to fulfill their internship requirement? Don't limit yourself.

“Try everything. You never know where or when you'll find your break. Research all of the funding and services that Richmond has to offer," she says. 

 “And make sure that everything is submitted on time.”                

Article written by Charlotte Brackett, ’12