Scholastic Summer

With an expansive Duquesne Kline School of Law alumni network of nearly 10,000, many students have secured positions with alumni, including judges and partners in firms. Joe Ebbert, rising 2L, has dual roles this summer, both for judges who are Duquesne Kline School of Law graduates. 

Ebbert is spending part of his time as a judicial intern in the Chambers of the Honorable Michael E. McCarthy, Court of Common Pleas, Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, L’84. In that role, Ebbert drafts memos, listens in on hearings and trials, and confers with Judge McCarthy concerning different matters. 

He is spending the other part of his time as a judicial extern in the Chambers of the Honorable Jeffery A. Deller, L’96, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. There, Ebbert works on case preparation, performs research, and attends hearings and trials. He felt equipped for these positions because of his studies and the encouragement from the Duquesne Kline School of Law community.

“Throughout my first year in law school, Duquesne Kline has helped me develop skills in legal research, writing, and analysis through coursework and classroom discussion. Additionally, the support of my professors, Duquesne Kline faculty, and other students has bolstered my confidence in my work and in what I say,” Ebbert said. 

Drew Weissman, rising 2L, is serving as a summer law clerk at Quatrini Law Group in Pittsburgh, where Vincent Quatrini, L’74, is founding partner. He is employing his studies and is appreciative of this role and the opportunity to work with attorneys who encourage him. 

“I am grateful that I get to learn how to apply my legal skills practically from an inspiring group of attorneys who are always available to give helpful feedback and contribute to my learning,” Weissman said. He added this opportunity will allow him to be more efficient and critical with my legal research and writing skills when he returns to campus in the fall.

Also working as a summer law clerk at the Quatrini Law Group in their Pittsburgh and Greensburg offices is Caleb Banwar, rising 2L. Banwar is researching precedent, drafting pleadings, and navigating administrative regulation with attorneys on matters of Personal Injury, Worker's Compensation, Social Security Disability, and Veteran's Disability law.

He appreciated being able to discover other segments of the law beyond areas he was accustomed to.

“It’s an amazing opportunity at a growing firm that is deeply rooted in the community. This summer has and will continue to allow me to explore a sector of law, outside of my criminal law background and comfort zone, with a firm that is truly defined by charity and community engagement,” said Banwar. 

Evening student Haley Passione, rising 2E, is law clerk for The Employment Law Group, P.C. She assists with plaintiff-side employment litigation and counseling cases. Her responsibilities include anything to help move a case forward, such as scheduling internal and external meetings, filing pleadings and motions, drafting/editing written documents such as settlement demands, and reviewing discovery. She is also responsible for maintaining case meeting agendas/minutes and accurately billing her time.

She is enjoying this role of being able to assist others. Passione said, “This job is providing me with opportunities to learn how to be an effective advocate for clients and to understand how litigation works.”

Helping others is additionally of importance to Emma Anmolsingh, rising 2L, a summer intern in the Community Impact Unit of the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office. She assists attorneys on cases ranging from aggravated assaults to other felonies like carrying a firearm without a license. 

“I have completed research on various issues including admissibility in trial and the existence of probable cause in searches and seizures. Some of my job duties also include listening to jail calls and reviewing body cam footage. I have had the opportunity to observe and learn from various judges in the criminal division through court hearings such as suppression motions and jury trials. As a full-time intern, I have also helped teach undergraduate interns on subpoena, expungement, and parole letter procedures,” Anmolsingh said. 

She is thankful to be able to help others in this role. “I am extremely grateful for this experience because it has allowed me to work in a fast-paced environment alongside fellow interns who share a strong commitment to serving the Pittsburgh community. Throughout my internship, the attorneys at the District Attorney’s Office have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to justice, not only by advocating for the community but also by ensuring that defendants are treated fairly and given meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation and treatment. Their professionalism and commitment to public service have been inspiring to observe,” said Anmolsingh.

Beyond judges’ chambers and firms, other students have been navigating corporate law in the private sector. Christiana Saldamarco, rising 2L, is working as a legal intern at Matthews International, a global provider of brand solutions, memorialization products and industrial technologies, in Pittsburgh. She assists the attorneys by conducting research and drafting memos, reviews contracts for compliance, and assists with drafting and editing agreements. 

Saldamarco has appreciated being able to use knowledge gained directly from law school in her work. “Duquesne Kline has strengthened my legal research, writing, and analytical skills, and I have found that much of what we cover in class - particularly in contracts, torts, and property - directly relates to the work I am doing at Matthews International,” she said.

Gratefulness for these unique and empowering experiences is a shared theme among Duquesne Kline School of Law students who are participating in externships, internships, and clerkships this summer.

“I am extremely thankful for this experience because I am learning from people who want to see me improve and grow in my legal career. I highly value and appreciate their feedback and support, and I am confident it will help further my professional development. I am also extremely thankful for the many networking opportunities that I have been provided in these roles.” Ebbert said.  

Maria Comas, assistant dean of career services and alumni relations, understands the importance of these experiences. She is appreciative of the many people who lend their places of work and time to Duquesne Kline School of Law students.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities our students have to work alongside judges, lawyers, and other professionals as they gain valuable insight into the practice of law, develop skills, and build meaningful professional relationships that will serve them well as they begin their legal careers.  We are fortunate that many alumni and friends of the law school welcome our students into their courtrooms and offices over the summer months,” Comas said.