Summer Experience: Caroline Penfield ’26L This summer, Caroline Penfield worked at the Public Defender’s Office in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Caroline Penfield ’26L

Caroline Penfield ‘26L is a third-year law student at Washington and Lee, originally from Birmingham, Alabama. She is actively involved in the W&L Law community, serving as the Executive Articles Editor for the Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice, co-president of the Pro Bono Board, co-president of the Sports Czars, a Law Ambassador, and a member of the Women in Law Organization Executive Board. This summer, she interned with the Colorado Office of the State Public Defender in Fort Collins, Colorado. After law school, she plans to pursue a career in criminal defense.

How did you find/get this position?

Last summer, I worked at a public defender’s officer in northern Virginia, and I heard about the great training that the Colorado Office of the State Public Defender provides to interns and new attorneys. I talked to a classmate who spent her 1L summer there, applied online, and interviewed. During the process, I spoke to a law alum who is in the system who was so generous with her time in answering all my questions.

Describe your work experience.

With my third-year practice certificate, I was able to practice as a student-attorney in court. I represented clients with misdemeanor cases from the initial client advisement through the end of their case, which included reviewing discovery, drafting motions, negotiating with the district attorneys, and representing the clients in court. I also represented in-custody clients in bail settings. Additionally, I second chaired a jury trial and got to present the opening argument, cross-examination of a witness, and motion for a judgement of acquittal.

What were some skills you developed this summer?

I gained a lot of experience speaking on the record in court, which improved my confidence and advocacy skills. Additionally, preparing for a jury trial where I had to write arguments, make objections, and think about how to interact with the jury, witness, and judge, was all new for me. I was glad to have the advice from my professors here and a group of supportive attorneys in my office.

What surprised you about the work you did this summer?

The jury in my trial returned a not-guilty verdict to all counts! I hate to say it was a surprise after all the work we put in preparing for trial, but with criminal defense we always prepare ourselves and our clients for the worst outcome. There are a lot of ways the system is stacked against our clients, so seeing it work in that way with a group of people from the community seeing my client’s innocence was very rewarding.

What was your favorite aspect of this summer work experience?

I got into criminal defense work because of the people, so my favorite part is always client interactions. I love sitting down with someone who is in-custody or who has been pushed through the criminal system and tell them I’m on their side and I want to hear from them. Not every day is a good one and some outcomes really weigh on you, but there are small wins everywhere, like a client getting treatment they have been asking for or getting the district attorney to see another side of the story.

Has this experience helped you figure out post graduate plans, and if so, how?

After my experience in 1L summer, I was pretty certain that public defense was right for me. This summer affirmed that, and I am in the process of figuring out where I will start this work after graduation!

How do you think this experience will shape the rest of your time at W&L Law?

This year I am part of the Criminal Defense Clinic, where I will get to continue representing clients with misdemeanor cases in local counties. I will take everything I learned this summer into that work. I am also always advocating for people to consider criminal defense work for their summer internships or through pro bono projects during the year. There is a place for all types of legal skills to help people who need it, and in my experience, there is nothing more rewarding you can do with our education!