Every summer, a new group of interns joins Locks Law, expecting to learn about the law. They are eager to learn from the entire team, from paralegals to partners. They sit in on depositions and research experts. Quickly, each one discovers just how much happens before anyone ever says, “Your Honor.” This year’s class comes to us from Amherst to Howard, Temple to Elon, each with a different story and the same verdict: There’s far more to litigation than meets the eye.
This year’s intern class is a talented group hailing from schools up and down the East Coast, ranging from college undergraduates to rising 2Ls. At Locks Law, we have always been committed to mentoring the next generation of lawyers, and each summer brings that commitment to life. We sat down with this year’s interns to hear about their experience so far.
Ella O’Neill
Rising sophomore, Amherst College — double major in English and History
You’re the earliest in your journey of this year’s class. What brought you to a law firm already?
As a freshman last year, my legal background was limited to campus clubs and events. But after speaking with the partners here, I really valued their willingness to give me true legal exposure, not just observing, but actively contributing firsthand.
What were you hoping to get out of the summer?
Broad exposure to the legal field, understanding how cases operate on both a macro and micro level.
And has the summer delivered?
So much. I’ve learned how cases progress through the legal system and what goes into trial preparation, and I’ve had the chance to witness firsthand how both trials and depositions actually function.
Biggest surprise so far?
The sheer complexity. I expected cases to have a lot of moving parts, but seeing the actual process up close still shocked me. Managing a case means juggling vast amounts of information and coordinating an incredibly wide range of people.
Leyla Jones
1L, Howard University School of Law — Ohio State University alumna
You came in with mock trial and trial advocacy experience. What did you want
this summer to add?
I wanted to strengthen my legal research and writing, get more exposure to litigation, and understand how attorneys develop case strategy from day one through trial. Watching Locks Law attorneys in the courtroom has been a chance to pick up litigation and oral argument strategies I couldn’t learn in competition.
What’s the biggest lesson so far?
How much attention to detail and strategic thinking go into every single stage of litigation. I’ve also gotten real experience researching complex legal issues and drafting motions and memos for active cases, work that
actually matters.
What surprised you most?
How much happens behind the scenes before a case ever reaches a courtroom. Every filing, every strategic decision, is backed by extensive research, collaboration, and preparation.
Why Locks Law?
I’m drawn to plaintiff-side law, and Locks Law has a strong reputation for advocating for people who have been harmed. I wanted to work on complex litigation, learn from experienced trial attorneys, and contribute to work that genuinely changes clients’ lives. It’s also been the perfect introduction to the Philadelphia legal
community!
Karna Nilakantan
Rising 2L, Temple University Beasley School of Law — BA in Philosophy, University of Toronto (’23)
What did you set out to learn this summer?
The litigation process, timeline, strategies, and procedural requirements. All of it.
Mission accomplished?
Honestly, yes. And here’s the interesting part: even though this is a plaintiff’s firm, I’ve come away understanding litigation from both the plaintiff and defense perspectives.
What caught you off guard?
The importance of expert witnesses. I’ve learned that the success of a trial often hinges on what testimony can be gathered from these third-party experts. That was not something I fully appreciated before.
Why did you choose Locks Law?
I wanted hands-on experience sharpening my own legal research and writing skills while also learning plaintiff-side litigation. Locks Law offered both. I get to learn by watching seasoned attorneys litigate while developing my skills.
Stellarose Emery
Rising 2L, Elon University School of Law — BA in Political Science and History, Gettysburg College (’25)
What are you hoping to master this summer?
All the nuances of complex tort cases – how the whole process works from start to finish.
A few weeks in, what stands out?
How much I’ve already learned. Especially how to prepare ahead during a case so you’re ready for whatever might happen, and how to actually apply the concepts I’ve been learning in school. There’s a difference between reading about it and doing it.
Most surprising discovery?
How much collaboration goes into a trial. And that no matter how much you learn, there’s always something new around the corner.
You go to law school in North Carolina. What drew you back to Philadelphia — and to Locks Law?
I wanted to explore a different area of practice, and Locks offered a genuinely interesting way to do that through the range of cases we have this summer. I’m originally from the Philadelphia area, so it’s also given me a unique chance to see how the law differs between North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
