Valuable lessons learned through shadowing program

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009

With the access given to me by the Community Mentorship Program of Calvert County public schools, I shadowed the Calvert County State's Attorney's office in Prince Frederick. For four months, I have seen trials, hearings, sentencings and a variety of other aspects of the law system. All of this experience has helped me explore future career options.

While I am unable to discuss what I witnessed, I can say that I am truly grateful for the opportunity. I delved into an area that few are able to probe without a mark on their permanent record. If sitting at the councilor's table wasn't enough of a privilege, I was invited to observe behind the scenes meetings.

On a good day, I was even mistaken for a prosecutor.

Feeling recognized by defendants and other attorneys as a legitimate member of the court transformed the experience from simply study to participation.

Calvert County State's Attorney Laura Martin and assistant state's attorneys Fran Longwell, Michelle Saunders, Andy Rappaport and Jennifer Morton provided wonderful insight into a profession that I was only familiar with through television, Mock Trial and criminal justice classes.

Each afternoon spent in their courtroom unlocked a new aspect of the system.

From plea bargains to the stet docket to judiciary discretion, the introduction and development of every facet of the court deepened my interest in the vocation.

While trial law may not be the area of law for me, I have learned through this experience that my passion for upholding the law will always play a crucial role in my life.

From this experience, I am taking away a deeper knowledge of the role of an attorney, the technical aspects of the court and most importantly, a sense of enthusiasm for both. I would recommend this program, especially under the Calvert County State's Attorney's Office, to any high school student eligible, and I am proud to have been a part of it.

Emma Andrews, Huntingtown