A student in her forth and final year at the University of Guelph in Ontario, 
Canada within an Honors Criminal-Justice and Public Policy Program,  
Seana Holland had earned a Marion McKiee  Scholarship and Reach for the Top  
Scholarship as well as being named an Ontario  Scholar before she applied to the 
Washington Internship Program. Seana  attended the Simcoe   Composite School,  
was a cheerleader coach, and worked in the past at Ontario Mortgage Action 
Centre. She traveled abroad to England and Florida,  and within Canada Seana 
visited Winnipeg and Manitoba. In addition to  English, she speaks some French. 
Seana requested a law-related position, so the  Washington Internship placed 
her in a summer internship at the Public Defender Service, which the 
Princeton  Review identifies as one of the top ten internships in the 
United States.  As with all interns, WIP provided Seana with a professional editor 
to help with  her resume, cover letter, and a writing sample that involved the 
detailed  analysis of a defense strategy for a difficult case. The Washington 
Internship  Program never writes such materials for interns but teaches students 
on an  individual basis, as well as in group workshops, to think critically and write  
publishable-quality material. This editing service starts before students  arrive 
in Washington  and continues throughout the internships. Following a phone 
interview, Seana  was accepted in February for a summer internship at PDS. 
WIP offers mock  interviews over the phone to prepare students to do their best at 
this critical  stage in being evaluated for a position. From May through August, 
Seana worked with attorneys at this demanding unpaid internship where 
she defended indigent clients accused of serious crimes. After an intensive 
training period and the conclusion of the internship, Seana was offered a 
paid position at PDS starting in the fall of 2006 and lasting a year. As always 
with students from abroad, WIP helped Seana obtain a J1 visa. 

Throughout the internship, Seana lived in Summit Hills Apartments within a 
section of the complex furnished and administered by the Washington Internship 
Program. The facility includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, a gym, 
a computer center, washers and dryers, free parking, and a store on the grounds of 
this gated community. Seana asked to continue living there, saying: “Where else 
would I find such a beautiful place to live in the D.C. area!” She hoped a girlfriend 
could live in her suite because WIP opens its housing to friends of WIP interns and 
alumni (space permitting). Seana’s description of her internship follows.     

 “In the summer of 2005, I began a three-month internship at the Public Defender’s
Service in Washington D.C. It started with an intensive, week-long training
session that prepares new interns for working in the legal system. We rehearsed
all types of assignments from taking witness statements to photographing
crime scenes. Then I was detailed to two attorneys, both of whom were working
in the Juvenile Division. I was also given a partner, with whom I worked closely
throughout my internship. My partner and I met with our lawyers each time a new
case was accepted, and we talked about what needed to be done – like gathering
documents from the courthouse and police stations. My partner and I were
responsible for completing all tasks assigned by the different attorneys. I worked on
cases involving illegal drugs, assault, and grand-theft auto.” 

      “Late in September of 2006, I returned to the Public Defender’s Service
     after being hired for a year-long paid position where I work forty hours
per week. My position is similar to what I did last summer, but now I have far more
responsibility. I am currently working alone although I will probably be assigned
a partner within the next few weeks after the new interns arrive. My lawyer and I
discuss our cases, and I offer input on different investigative steps. Lately, I
have been conducting interviews in addition to other duties. This time I am only
working for one attorney, and I’m handling adult cases, which is exciting.
My position is far more independent, and I’m trusted to manage my time effectively.
Each morning I organize and prioritize my caseload. One of my cases dealt with
sexual assault against a child and murder as well as a series of felonies. The
majority of my time is spent in the field with little traditional office work.
Sometimes I must work evenings and weekends, depending on the case.
This rigorous position is definitely not for a person who prefers a nine-to-five job.
For me, working at the Public Defender’s Service was an incredible opportunity
that I still enjoy completely.”