My Internship with Judge Wendy Beetlestone in Philadelphia

Posted on: 14 November 2024 by Elizabeth Shanks in Blog

Over the summer, I spent an amazing six weeks in Philadelphia, USA, completing an internship in the Chambers of District Judge Wendy Beetlestone at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

The internship provided a unique insight into the legal and political systems and processes in the US. I spent time in both federal and state court, observing civil and criminal matters.

Internship highlights

Throughout the internship, I gained firsthand exposure to the inner workings of federal court. I shadowed Judge Wendy Beetlestone in court and in chambers, learning a phenomenal amount about legal processes and judicial reasoning. I am very grateful to Judge Beetlestone’s clerks for their 101s on topics such as the difference between state and federal law, rules of evidence, and where to get the best Philly cheesesteak!

I attended trials and hearings concerning a diverse range of legal issues. As I will undertake a specialist employment pupillage upon completion of the Bar course, I was particularly interested in cases involving race and sex discrimination in the workplace. It was fascinating to compare the similarities and differences between UK equality legislation and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. I also found the concept of civil juries to be fascinating and particularly enjoyed watching the process of jury selection.

Cultural experiences

I enjoyed many cultural experiences during my time in the US. As Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States, it was fascinating to visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed – situated just a stone’s throw away from the courthouse! I went to see a theatre show, completed an escape room, and enjoyed food at Reading Terminal Market. However, my favourite experience of the trip was going to watch a baseball game (‘the Phillies’) with Judge Beetlestone and her clerks.

I also visited Washington DC and New York during my time in the US, both of which are a relatively short Amtrak ride from Philadelphia. I was able to visit Times Square and Central Park in NYC, as well as some of DC’s most famous landmarks, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol, and the White House.

Key takeaways

The internship was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, for which I cannot thank Judge Beetlestone enough. I am deeply inspired by Judge Beetlestone and grateful for being given access to her fascinating work. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone, undertaking legal research and writing tasks related to unfamiliar legal concepts. Moreover, I now feel better equipped to manage the new challenges and pressures of postgraduate study and legal practice.