This summer, Syracuse Law students are gaining hands-on experience at firms, courts, and organizations across the country. Over the coming weeks, we’re spotlighting where a few students are spending their summer, and how their Syracuse Law coursework prepared them for the work.
Next stop: Meghan Snelling, 2L (2028), Legal Intern at Disability Justice in Denver, CO (formerly Disability Law Colorado).
What does a typical day look like for you, and what’s one thing that surprised you about it?
A typical day for me involves working on my research projects, attending team meetings, participating in intake calls, and occasionally observing cases in the courtroom. In the next few weeks, I will also be participating in monitoring visits at various sites around Colorado.
What made you choose this organization for your internship or externship?
I had been following Disability Justice’s work for a while because they are incredibly active in the disability rights field. Whether it be representing clients, teaching self-advocacy, or passing legislation to secure further protections for individuals with disabilities—they are always doing meaningful work. I hope to practice disability law in Colorado after graduation, so I knew there would be no better place to start my journey than with Disability Justice.
What’s one project or task you’ve worked on that you’re proud of, and what did you learn from it?
I recently got to sit in on Disability Justice’s legislative planning meeting, where the whole team met to discuss its legislative initiatives for the upcoming cycle. It was incredible to watch because it introduced me to the entire realm of advocacy, not just the attorney-side of things. There was collaboration between DJ’s legal team, media team, policy specialists, intake and advocacy specialists, and the corresponding interns for each department; I was truly blown away by the scope of the initiatives. It reaffirmed my commitment to the work and opened my eyes to the many forms of advocacy.
Do you see yourself practicing in this area of law after graduation? What’s drawing you toward this field?
I absolutely see myself practicing in this field after graduation. I was born with a rare, incurable disability that has impacted the way I interact with the world; it is the whole reason I pursued law in the first place. I have spent my whole life learning how to best advocate for myself and I feel strongly that no one else should have to navigate that difficult process alone.
How has Syracuse Law prepared you for this experience?
While my coursework prepared me greatly for the research and writing side of my internship, I truly feel that the personal advice I received from my professors has been the most valuable part of my preparation. The professors all have such different experiences in the legal field and are so open to sharing how they got there, what their work experiences were like, and the advice they have for young professionals. I feel especially grateful to Professor Kim and Professor Wallach; they were so encouraging, and their approach to feedback significantly improved the skills I use every day at my internship.
