My Internship with United States District Judge Wendy Beetlestone

This summer I was fortunate enough to be selected to spend six weeks in Philadelphia interning with Judge Wendy Beetlestone, Chancellor of the University of Liverpool and District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. It was an incredible opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the US legal system and to experience working in a federal courthouse alongside a team of dedicated clerks and legal professionals.

My role was varied and engaging. I drafted sections of legal opinions, assisted with research on both civil and criminal matters and observed many courtroom hearings ranging from complex constitutional cases to sentencing hearings. The highlight for me was having the chance to work directly with the Judge and her clerks. They were incredibly generous with their time and provided me with invaluable guidance on both legal writing and professional development.

Living in Philadelphia was a highlight in itself. It is a city rich in history, with vibrant neighbourhoods and, of course, amazing cheesesteaks! On weekends, I had the chance to explore not only Philadelphia but also nearby cities such as New York, which was unforgettable. The balance between professional and cultural experiences made the internship all the more enriching.

This experience reinforced my ambition to qualify as a solicitor in the UK while maintaining a strong international outlook in my career. Experiencing the US legal system has broadened my perspective immensely and deepened my interest in comparative law, especially in areas such as women’s reproductive rights, where I hope to focus my dissertation this year. More broadly, the internship confirmed for me the value of pursuing opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone.

Overall, my time in Philadelphia was a formative step in my legal journey. It is one that has not only strengthened my skills but reaffirmed my commitment to a career in law. I am incredibly grateful to Judge Beetlestone and the University of Liverpool for the opportunity. As a widening participation student, having the chance to travel across the world, explore new places independently and take a significant step towards my career goals has made me an independent, driven and well-rounded person, and am immensely grateful for that.

About the author

Sarah Fazani is final-year Law LLB (Hons) student at the University of Liverpool Law School.