Summer Experience: Emily Maldonado Lopez ‘28L This past summer, Emily Maldonado Lopez interned for the Honorable Julie Sneed in the Middle District of Florida.

Emily Maldonado Lopez ‘28L

Emily Maldonado Lopez ‘28L is a second-year law student and is originally from Orlando, Florida. She is currently serving as a staff writer for the Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice, Treasurer of the Latin American Law Students Association, and VP of Operations for the Women Law Students Organization. This past summer she interned for the Honorable Julie Sneed in the Middle District of Florida.

What did you do for work this summer?

This summer I did legal research on issues before my judge’s chambers, worked on assignments related to pending cases, and copy-edited work for clerks.

How did you find this position?

I targeted the Middle District of Florida, decided that Judge Sneed was someone I would like to intern for, and then cold applied by emailing her listed court email.

Describe your work experience.

My work experience included ample research, learning how to craft clear and concise legal writing, and working through provided assignments. I was also able to observe a range of court proceedings from a civil jury trial, criminal jury trial, criminal sentencing, arraignments, and a multitude of motion hearings. I was most surprised by the unique quality of the 11th  circuit case law I was researching.

What were some skills you developed this summer?

Some skills I developed this summer included prioritizing binding case law in my legal research, learning the importance of bolstering any preposition with string cites and ample legal authority, and maintaining consistency in legal writing to ensure all readers can clearly follow my train of thought. I was also able to experiment with different citation signals and receive feedback on how to implement signals appropriately.

What was your favorite aspect of this summer work experience?

Some of my favorite aspects of my summer work experience included meeting and connecting with my fellow interns at the courthouse and participating in the events put on at the courthouse by the Federal Bar Association.

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

This experience cemented my interest in clerking and practicing in the litigation space.

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

I think this experience has informed my interests in specific areas of the law, and I anticipate this will guide my decisions to take certain classes during the remainder of my time at W&L Law.