USD Law Student Heads Home to California for County Legal Internship
Wuester recently completed a summer internship that was split between the Inyo County Counsel’s Office and the Inyo County District Attorney’s Office. Having grown up in the area, she had built connections with both offices that helped facilitate her internship placement.
This unique opportunity provided Wuester with extensive legal experience and a deep understanding of both county government and the judicial system.
At the Inyo County Counsel’s Office, Wuester conducted thorough legal research on various topics, including the California Air Toxic Hot Spots Act, OHV Green Tag Taxes, unconstitutional Fourth Amendment stops, searches and seizures and organizational standing. She also explored privacy issues related to surveillance cameras in workplaces and public areas.
Wuester attended Board of Supervisors meetings, gaining insight into county government operations. Additionally, she participated in meetings between Inyo County and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, focusing on water usage and issues in the Owens Valley.
Upon transferring to the District Attorney’s Office, Wuester attended court sessions with her supervising attorney, wrote responses to discovery motions and researched upcoming cases.
This hands-on experience allowed Wuester to apply her law school education, particularly in Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure, to real-world situations. It also highlighted the challenges faced by Inyo County and sparked Wuester’s interest in a career in county counsel.
Wuester stated that her coursework in Environmental Law helped prepare her for her role with the County Counsel’s Office and her studies in Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure for her time with the District Attorney’s Office.
Reflecting on her experiences, Wuester expressed her enjoyment in applying her law school knowledge practically.
“I enjoyed being able to put what I am learning in law school to use. We’ve worked so hard for the past two years, it’s fun to step into the real world and see that hard work put to use.”
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