Second-Year Law Student Ben Compton's Law Internship Leads to Professional and Personal Growth
Prior to attending law school, Compton, who is originally from Pueblo Colorado, worked with the Becker Law Group. When he returned with a year of law school to his credit, Compton was able to take on more responsibilities.
“Returning to Becker Law Group this summer was a remarkable experience,” said Compton. “The difference that one year of law school made in my confidence and ability to handle greater responsibilities was astounding. This time, I was entrusted with more challenging tasks, and it was incredibly rewarding to see how far I had come since my first experience with the firm.”
Becker Law Group works with the Colorado Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel. During his internship, Compton worked on major crimes and juvenile cases. His role included working closely with incarcerated clients, and he regularly visited those clients to review discovery materials and discuss their cases in detail.
Additionally, he conducted extensive legal research, drafted criminal defense motions and managed the filing of court documents. Compton said that one of the most insightful aspects of his role was shadowing lead attorneys in court, where he observed the intricate strategies and legal techniques employed in real-world criminal defense cases.
“This internship was an invaluable experience that solidified my passion for criminal defense, particularly juvenile justice,” Compton said. “The practical skills I gained will continue to serve me throughout the remainder of my law school journey and beyond.”
Learn more about Compton’s internship and what he gained from his time with Becker Law Group. Here’s what he had to say.
What did you most enjoy about your summer internship?
One of my most rewarding experiences during my internship was working with juvenile clients. Meeting with them in detention centers and speaking with them on a more personal level -- beyond the formalities of the legal process -- was eye-opening. It allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of their challenges and motivations and made me seriously consider pursuing a career in juvenile criminal defense. Being able to connect with these young clients on a human level was one of the most fulfilling aspects of the summer.
What did you learn from the experience?
This internship also taught me a lot about the practical aspects of law. I learned just how meticulous and varied legal research can be, particularly when dealing with multiple jurisdictions. It was a challenge initially, but I became more comfortable navigating different legal databases and finding relevant case law. Through the process, I also honed my writing skills, learning to craft concise, clear, and compelling arguments for the court without being redundant. In addition to research and writing, I gained valuable experience in client counseling, which allowed me to develop stronger communication skills and better serve our clients. By the end of the summer, I had become more independent in identifying critical issues in cases, which was a significant step forward in my development as a future attorney.
Was there a course or professor that helped you best prepare for this internship?
Reflecting on my time in law school, I realize how valuable specific courses were in preparing me for this internship. Criminal Law with Professor Gregory Brazeal and Legal Research with Professor Justin Huston were particularly beneficial because much of my work over the summer aligned with what I had learned in those classes. The principles and skills I gained in those courses provided a strong foundation for the tasks I performed daily.
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