Headshot of Ellis Eugene Williams

Ellis Eugene Williams

Criminal Law Investigator, Public Defenders Service of Washington D.C.

Major: CCJS

Class Year: 2023

 

 

 

What was a typical week like in your internship position?

I worked three days a week; Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-5. From day one, PDS tells you that every day/week is different. However, if I had to narrow my daily tasks down to one week I would say that every morning always starts with a coffee from Starbucks, right next door. Then I go to the office and have a meeting with my attorney. After this, I complete my assignment for the week. Sometimes I listen to the jail phone, meet with clients at the DOC, file record requests, or even testify in court. My job entails that I take on the role of an investigator. So, sometimes I  go view a crime scene or interview possible witnesses. At the end of every week (Friday) I will buy myself lunch as a reward for myself.

 

 

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

I enjoy helping people who are in need of our service. Our system is not about guilty or innocent- it’s about justice. Our job at PDS is to protect and ensure the most appropriate outcome for our clients. I really enjoy this aspect of representing people and listening to their stories. One thing I found very common among our clients was their struggles of growing up in challenging neighborhoods. These challenges often led them to a long history of crime and conviction. At PDS we work to rehabilitate these individuals and prevent them from rendering the system.

 

 

How did your coursework help you in your internship?

Given that all of our clients were poor African American males, classes like AASP 187 and ENGL 101 taught me the reasoning/skills that were needed to invoke sympathy and understanding of our client's position. In addition, specific professors like Dr. Fisher allowed me to employ my prior knowledge of the justice system into creating convincing legal theories, such as the history of mass incarceration and the correlations between absent fathers and criminal offenders in the African American community. That said, I think the most informative class I have taken at UMD that contributed to my success at PDS was CCJS 230 (criminal law in action). Not only did the class open my understanding of case theory, but it also allowed me to develop logical thinking skills, which happened to me as one of my most important contributions in the office. With many more classes left to complete, I can not wait to see how my future classes and professors will influence my success in upcoming internships.

 

 

 

How did you locate your internship position?

My advisor introduced the position to me. I ended up applying and getting the role immediately. I am very thankful for my advisor and everything she has done to contribute to my success at UMD.

 

 

Advice for students:

One thing I tell a lot of students who are seeking their dream internship is to remember that even our dream jobs have bad days. There will always be people we don’t like to work with and tasks that are unenjoyable. It is important that you take care of yourself while working. Even if it is an unpaid position, try to treat yourself to lunch or reflect on the positive things you have learned from your new experience.

 

 

Anything else you want to share with students?

You got this! There is a position out there for everyone.