Released: March 10, 2023
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and his office welcomed the first class of interns to the DA’s Academy, the new fast-paced week-long immersive program designed to provide law students an invaluable opportunity to experience life in a District Attorney’s office.
“The impetus for this innovative program was the recognition that it is often difficult, if not impossible, for law students to spend their summer in our office in an unpaid internship,” explained District Attorney Stollsteimer. “As a result, we decided to create a shorter, more concentrated program that utilized the students’ spring break, which we hoped would be more accessible to more students.”
During the week, academy interns attended sessions that focused on various facets of work in the DA’s office: the district court system, trial preparations, organized crime, diversion programs, the use of force, working with victims, witnesses, and police, as well as court observation and the interview process. Deputies from every unit made presentations, as did many of the detectives in the Criminal Investigation Division.
Although designed primarily for first year law students, the DA’s Academy is also open to students going into their second or third year of law school.
During the inaugural week, the DA’s Academy welcomed include students from Temple University, Villanova University, and Widener University, and will welcome students from Drexel University next week.
Deputy DA Laurie Moore, with assistance from secretary Theresa Nguyen managed the new program, coordinating with schools and students.
“I am enormously proud of the team that put together this week’s inaugural class of the DA’s Academy,” added DA Stollsteimer. “Special thanks to Deputy District Attorney Laurie Moore, and her assistant Theresa Nguyen, for the amazing job they did in getting this program on its feet.”
The District Attorney’s Office thanks the students and schools that helped make the first year a success. Individuals who might be interested in the next session of the program, which will be held in the spring of 2024, are advised to check the District Attorney’s Office website at www.delcoda.com for information about the application process.
Questions? Contact Theresa Nguyen at nguyent@co.delaware.pa.us.