Learning the Law Where It Is Made: Ave Maria Students Spend Summer Serving in Washington
From the U.S. Senate and federal agencies to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Ave Maria School of Law students are gaining firsthand experience where the law, public policy and public service intersect.
Learning Through Service
Every summer, Washington, D.C., welcomes thousands of law students eager to learn where the law is made, argued, interpreted, and applied. They arrive hoping to gain firsthand experience inside the institutions that shape American law and public policy while discovering how their own legal careers might one day make an impact.
Across the nation’s capital, they are serving in congressional offices, federal agencies, public policy organizations, and federal courts. While each internship is unique, they all share a common purpose: moving beyond the classroom to experience the practice of law where some of the nation’s most consequential legal decisions are made.
For all three students, the internship offers something that cannot be replicated in a classroom. It is an opportunity to see justice administered up close, learn from an accomplished federal judge and contribute to the work of a court dedicated to the fair and timely review of veterans’ appeals.
Michael Ippolito, 3L, Michael Kazakov, 2L, and Cecilia Caughron, 2L, are spending the summer interning with Judge Joseph Toth, an Ave Maria School of Law alumnus whose own career has come full circle as he now mentors students from his alma mater.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims hears appeals from veterans seeking review of decisions made by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Working inside Judge Toth’s chambers gives the students an extraordinary opportunity to observe the federal judiciary firsthand while contributing to work that directly impacts the lives of America’s veterans.
For Judge Toth, welcoming Ave Maria students into his chambers has become one of the most rewarding parts of his judicial service.
“I’ve had the good fortune of having clerks from Ave Maria and interns, and it’s been a great blessing. They’re fantastic lawyers, and they’ve done great things on the court.”
As an alumnus, he believes the school’s greatest strength extends beyond preparing capable attorneys.
“I’m very grateful to the Ave community for having a higher vision of the law, of understanding the law as part of the deeper purposes, serving our society and the common good in terms of the Christian vision of the human person and society.”
That higher vision has resonated with the students themselves.
For Michael Ippolito, the opportunity to learn under an Ave Maria graduate while serving those who served the nation has made the internship especially meaningful.
“This is really a privilege to work in this court and to work with a judge who is an alumnus of the law school, and to really do great work in serving our veterans.”
He also credits Ave Maria School of Law with preparing him for the opportunity.
“I’m really grateful to the law school for helping me get to where I am in Washington, D.C., and forming me to be a great lawyer.”
For Cecilia Caughron, the internship has opened the door to an area of law she had never explored in depth before.
“One of the things I love about this is I’m getting to learn a lot about veterans law and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.”
Michael Kazakov says working inside Judge Toth’s chambers has strengthened both his legal writing and analytical skills while exposing him to issues he never expected to encounter as a law student.
“I’ve been receiving a lot of tips on my writing. I’ve been working on complex issues that I never thought I would see, and I look forward to learning a lot more from this court and applying it to my future studies and my future career.”
The experience has also reinforced the importance of the Ave Maria community that helped make the opportunity possible.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Ave Law. We had a great networking event with all the Ave alumni and current students and faculty over here in Washington, D.C. It was an amazing gathering that motivated me even more.”
For all three students, the internship offers something that cannot be replicated in a classroom. It is an opportunity to see justice administered up close, learn from an accomplished federal judge, and contribute to a court whose mission is to ensure that America’s veterans receive the careful consideration they deserve.
Student Spotlights Across Washington
This summer, 14 Ave Maria School of Law students are spending time in Washington, D.C., gaining practical legal experience and building professional relationships throughout the nation’s capital. Their opportunities span congressional offices, federal courts, executive agencies and public policy organizations, with work involving legislative affairs, immigration, civil rights, constitutional advocacy, veterans law and employment law. Together, their experiences reflect both the breadth of opportunities available to Ave Maria students and the school’s commitment to preparing lawyers for meaningful service throughout the legal profession.
Carson Wolf, 2L
Law Clerk, United States Senate
Serving as a law clerk in the United States Senate, Carson assists legal counsel with hearings, legislative analysis, policy questions, constituent matters, and other legal issues. The experience has reinforced his long-term interest in public policy law and offered valuable practical insight into the legislative process.
“My experience has been incredible so far. It’s really instilled a practical experience and reinforcement of my path and career in public policy law I hope to pursue after graduation.”
Amanda Evans, 2L
Legal Fellow, Media Research Center
As a Legal Fellow with the Media Research Center, Amanda researches the policies and practices ofmajor technology companies, particularly as they relate to news platforms and free speech. She also assists with First Amendment legal issues and other in-house legal projects.
The internship has broadened her understanding of constitutional law while providing mentorship from attorneys who are deeply committed to protecting free speech rights.
“This summer, I have learned about free speech rights and the threats to those rights posed by both large corporations and the government. The issue is far more nuanced than I previously realized.”
Elizabeth Pope, 3L
Law Clerk, Office of U.S. Senator Rick Scott
Elizabeth is assisting Senator Rick Scott’s counsel with congressional investigations, legal research and analysis, drafting letters, and supporting a variety of legislative and administrative matters. After spending last summer with the House Judiciary Committee, this year’s experience has further strengthened her desire to build a career on Capitol Hill.
“Working alongside Senator Rick Scott’s counsel has given me firsthand experience with the legal and investigative work that supports the United States Senate while strengthening my own legal skills.”
Micah Jakubowicz, 3L
Legal Intern (SLIP), U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review, Board of Immigration Appeals
As a Summer Legal Internship Program (SLIP) intern with the U.S. Department of Justice, Micah serves as a legal intern with the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s Board of Immigration Appeals. His work includes drafting proposed decisions and opinions in immigration appeals for review by appellate judges, conducting legal research on complex statutory and constitutional issues, and preparing memoranda and case law summaries addressing developments in immigration law.
Before the summer began, Micah hoped to gain experience clerking for a judge. Instead, he found himself working in an environment where his research and writing support the work of a panel of appellate judges.
“My goal before this summer was to work as a clerk for a judge, and God graciously gave me a clerkship working under 22 judges. I am greatly enjoy the work because I am not only writing and researching, which are things that I already love, but I am also doing meaningful work. After graduation, I hope to work for the Board as an attorney.”
Joshua McElwee, 3L
Legal Intern, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights
Joshua is interning with the Office for Civil Rights, working directly with the Acting Deputy Director of the Civil Rights Division during a period of significant organizational transition. His work has exposed him to a broad range of legal issues, from communications and enforcement to policy development.
He credits his supervisor with intentionally involving him in many different aspects of the department’s work, giving him a deeper appreciation for how legal decisions are developed and implemented within the federal government.
Reflecting on the experience, Joshua drew inspiration from the words of Robert F. Kennedy, whose message of public service has become especially meaningful during his internship.
“Each time a man … acts to improve the lot of others … he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.”
Joshua said his internship has brought those words to life.
“My time at HHS has only proven these words more true. Those ripples begin with the people who choose to serve, who choose to act. Behind every decision are individuals who genuinely care.”
Marie Carney, 3L
Professional Engagement in Washington, D.C.
While spending the summer in Washington, D.C., Marie Carney has embraced opportunities to become more deeply engaged with the nation’s legal and professional community.
“Spending time in Washington, D.C., has provided me with valuable opportunities to engage with the legal community, connect with professionals and build meaningful relationships,” Carney said. “I am grateful for the experiences and connections that will continue to shape my legal career.”
Looking Ahead
Whether drafting judicial opinions, researching constitutional questions, assisting congressional counsel or serving within federal agencies, these experiences are helping prepare Ave Maria School of Law students for careers dedicated to justice, public service and leadership.
This summer, Washington, D.C., became another classroom. The lessons learned there will continue shaping these future attorneys throughout their legal careers.
