2020 Summer Interns

Name: Irene Cai

School(s): Washington University School of Law; Peking University (undergrad)

Where You're From: Hubei, China

Q: First off, why do you want to become a lawyer?

A: Before I went to law school, I was a chemistry student and did research projects in a lab. But I felt research projects I was doing were divorced from reality and I wanted to solve more pressing problems in real life. And after talking with an alumnus who is a successful IP lawyer, I realized that there is another way to make a difference with my scientific knowledge.



Q: Who has been a major influence or inspiration to you?

A: My mother. My mother is a smart and diligent woman. Despite many challenges and obstacles in her life, she never gives up and thrives. My mom didn’t go to college, but she managed to get me the best education and support me all the way to law school. The most important thing my mom taught me is that no matter how frustrating and hopeless the situation, there is always a way out.



Q: What’s something—big or small—that you’re really good at?

A: I am good at cooking Chinese food, and I can also cook some Korean and Japanese dishes. Some of my favorites are Pork Belly and Pepper Stir Fry, Pineapple Chicken and Korean BBQ Short Ribs.



Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your career?

A: I hope to use my science background and legal skills to address emerging complex, interdisciplinary legal issues. I also hope to promote the diversity and inclusion in legal industry to pave the way for minority students like me.



Q: And just for fun, what’s one song you have completely memorized?

A: Your Song by Elton John

Name: Kristen Evans

School(s): University of North Carolina at Charlotte (undergrad), University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law

Where You're From: Winston-Salem, NC

Q: First off, why do you want to become a lawyer?

A: When I become a lawyer, I want to advocate for victims and survivors to make sure they are given appropriate justice.



Q: Who has been a major influence or inspiration to you?

A: Victims inspire me. Hearing their stories and experiences with the criminal justice system inspire me to help change the system.



Q: What’s something—big or small—that you’re really good at?

A: I am really good at listening, which I think is not always a common characteristic. Many people hear others, but they are not actually listening to them. If I am listening to someone, I am interpreting and analyzing what they are saying. I am trying to sympathize with their feelings by blocking my own thoughts for a moment and truly developing an understanding what the other person is really trying to say. 



Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your career?

A: In my legal career, I hope to create policy reform, secure justice for victims, and promote more diversity in the legal field by providing more opportunities to minorities.



Q: And just for fun, what’s one song you have completely memorized?

A: Any song by J Cole or Boys II Men.

Name: Josie Finch

School: Saint Louis University School of Law

Where You're From: LaHarpe, Illinois

Q: First off, why do you want to become a lawyer?

A: I want to become a lawyer to make the world a better place. I believe in fairness and equality, therefore, I came to law school in hopes that my future degree can achieve those goals.



Q: Who has been a major influence or inspiration to you?

A: My parents, Carrie & Jason Finch and my undergraduate advisor, Melody Schroer. They all taught me the value of hard work and dedication. They all genuinely believe in me and because of that I believe in myself. They have been my biggest supporters and I would not be where I am without them. They continue to be selfless and inspire me to be the best I can be.



Q: What’s something—big or small—that you’re really good at?

A: I am great at listening. People often label me as shy or quiet but often I think people speak to soon or too often without first listening to what other people have to say. I listen and I understand before I jump to giving my opinion or thoughts. I am proud that people confide in me and I believe it is because I am a great listener.



Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your career?

A: In my career I hope to make a positive difference in the world. Whether that be small or large, I hope to make positive change for the present and the future.



Q: And just for fun, what’s one song you have completely memorized?

A: Me & Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin

Name: Hailey Hearty

School: Saint Louis University School of Law

Where You're From: Dupo, Illinois

Q: First off, why do you want to become a lawyer?

A: I love talking to new people and hearing about their experiences from all different walks of life.  A legal career will give me an opportunity to meet with diverse people that I would otherwise never have known and learn from their experiences. I've also always wanted to be able to help people in need, and I believe that becoming a lawyer will allow me to help give under-represented communities a voice in the legal filed. 



Q: Who has been a major influence or inspiration to you?

A: Maya Angelou, because she used her voice and written word to inspire others.  One of my favorite quotes by Angelou is "Seek patience and passion in equal amounts. Patience alone will not build the temple. Passion alone will destroy its walls."



Q: What’s something—big or small—that you’re really good at?

A: My slightly weird skill is that I can find four-leaf clovers very quickly when I look for them. I've always been really good at picking the lucky ones first. 



Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your career?

A: My main goal in becoming a lawyer is to feel fulfilled by the work that I do in my career.  I'd like to spend my time building up the community that I work in and connecting with others around me to help each other learn and grow.



Q: And just for fun, what’s one song you have completely memorized?

A: I can sing any character's role from any song on the Hamilton Broadway cast recording!

Name: Donovan Hill

School(s): Saint Louis University School of Law

Where You're From: Washington, D.C.

Q: First off, why do you want to become a lawyer?

A: I want to become a lawyer, because it is an intellectually rewarding profession. As new legal issues arise, existing precedents are being examined to determine whether or not they are still applicable—and that excites me! In some cases there is room for challenging existing practices, and I want to be a part of that change.



Q: Who has been a major influence or inspiration to you?

A: My mom has been a major influence on my life because she is one of the hardest working people I have ever known.



Q: What’s something—big or small—that you’re really good at?

A: I am really good at cooking. I tend to cook meals I learned from watching my grandmother, mother, and great-aunts cook, but my palate is extremely diverse. I do not cook as often as I would like to during the semester, but I am always accepting new recipes.



Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your career?

A: I hope to “pay it forward.” If I have at least half the impact on someone else’s life as many people have had on mine, I will have done everything I needed to do in my career.



Q: And just for fun, what’s one song you have completely memorized?

A: One song I have completely memorized is, “No Scrubs” by TLC.

Name: Ja’Mecia Laws

School: Washington University School of Law

Where You're From: Winston-Salem, NC

Q: First off, why do you want to become a lawyer?

A: I want to become a lawyer because although the law affects nearly each and every person every single day, there is a lack of diversity in the legal field. Becoming a lawyer not only helps diversify the legal field, but gives other minorities hope in their individual endeavors.



Q: Who has been a major influence or inspiration to you?

A: My mother is my number one influence, because when life throws adversity her way, she remains calm and hopeful. She is a natural-born leader and problem-solver. I aspire to someday embody her unwavering resilience and intelligence.



Q: What’s something—big or small—that you’re really good at?

A:  I am really good at creating graphics for business logos and I am launching my own business in the next few weeks.



Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your career?

A: Throughout my career I hope to make a positive impact on people, whether it be directly or through the mission of the organization(s) I work with.



Q: And just for fun, what’s one song you have completely memorized?

A: Video by India.Arie

Name: Aja McCoy

School(s): Xavier University, Saint Louis University School of Law (Vice President for SLU’s Black Law Students Association)

Where You're From: South City in St. Louis, MO

Q: First off, why do you want to become a lawyer?

A: At an early age, I knew that I wanted to utilize my compassion and assertiveness for the greater good, so becoming an attorney became my ultimate goal.



Q: Who has been a major influence or inspiration to you?

A: My greatest influence comes from the warmth and love of my family.



Q: What’s something—big or small—that you’re really good at?

A: I am good at being empathetic to others and being cognitive of my decisions.



Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your career?

A: I hope to become an expert in my practice area, and I also hope to eventually sit on the board of the St. Louis Public School Foundation (SLPS Foundation).



Q: And just for fun, what’s one song you have completely memorized?

A: My favorite song is “Spend My Life with You” by Eric Benet (featuring Tamia).

Name: Brittany Trinidad
School(s): Washington University School of Law