Law students gaining hands-on experience through internships at Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office

This summer’s law school interns at the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office are, from left: Peter Khoukaz (Saint Louis University School of Law), Anna Stearns (Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School) and Nicholas Freda (Saint Louis University School of Law). (submitted photo)

By Tribune Staff • The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office is pleased to welcome a new class of summer interns who will gain hands-on experience working alongside prosecutors and staff in a wide range of criminal justice matters.

Throughout the summer, interns will have the opportunity to assist with legal research, observe court proceedings, support case preparation, and learn directly from experienced attorneys. Upper-level students also will gain courtroom experience prosecuting traffic and misdemeanor cases, under the guidance of experienced prosecutors. An Illinois Supreme Court rule (Rule 711) allows upper-level law students to obtain a temporary law license if they serve an internship at a prosecutor’s office, meaning they can prosecute actual cases, in a courtroom and before a judge.

This summer’s law school interns are:

• Peter Khoukaz, Saint Louis University School of Law
• Anna Stearns, Southern Illinois University School of Law
• Nicholas Freda, Saint Louis University School of Law

The interns said they’re eager to develop their skills and learn about prosecution.

“Law school teaches the principles of the law, but this internship provides me the opportunity to see those principles applied in real time,” Khoukaz said. “That experience will be beneficial no matter what area of law I ultimately decide to pursue.”

“I have always been drawn to criminal prosecution because it combines public service with the pursuit of justice,” Stearns said. “This internship will provide me the opportunity to learn from experienced prosecutors and gain firsthand insight into the role I hope to pursue in the future.”

“This internship will allow me to put all the hard classroom work into practice,” Freda said. “I’m confident that my internship will prepare me for the legal world and provide me with the skill set to tackle any challenge.”