Sean Fahey, a third-year law student at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), gained invaluable experience during his summer internship with the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This opportunity allowed him not only to observe but also to actively engage in the legal process surrounding federal criminal cases.
Throughout the summer, Fahey worked closely with attorneys at the Federal Public Defender’s Office, where he was responsible for drafting trial motions, researching federal sentencing issues, and creating sentencing memoranda. He also participated in preliminary court proceedings and hearings related to supervised release violations, all under the guidance of experienced attorneys.
Significant Legal Work
A particularly noteworthy project for Fahey involved drafting a legal brief that was submitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. This assignment held special significance for him as it echoed a similar legal issue he encountered during a prior internship with North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls. Fahey expressed his aspiration to work in appellate criminal defense, highlighting his passion for research and writing within this field.
“It was a wonderful experience to be in the driver’s seat where I hope to be one day,” Fahey remarked regarding the brief he prepared.
In addition to his legal writing, Fahey contributed an article to the office’s newsletter, which addressed forthcoming changes to the Federal Rules of Evidence and sentencing guidelines. He attributes much of his preparedness for the internship to his rigorous legal education at NCCU, where he serves as publications editor for the North Carolina Central Law Review. His work there has involved addressing complex issues in appellate criminal law.
Mentorship and Professional Growth
During his internship, Fahey also formed important connections with seasoned federal criminal defense attorneys, who served as mentors and helped enhance his writing skills. He continues to apply the knowledge gained from these relationships in his work within the NCCU Criminal Defense Clinic.
“Every attorney that I worked with at the office this summer was totally brilliant,” Fahey said, reflecting on the support he received from his colleagues.
A native of New Orleans and a graduate of Tulane University, Fahey previously worked as a journalist focusing on criminal justice prior to his legal studies. He encourages fellow law students interested in similar paths to begin their internship searches early and to seize opportunities as they arise. His successful application for the internship with Justice Earls occurred during the winter break of his first year, and he emphasized the importance of being proactive and prepared with a polished writing sample to enhance his chances.
Fahey secured his internship with the Federal Public Defender’s Office even before concluding his previous summer position. He believes that the experiences from these internships have provided him with more practical insights into the legal profession than traditional classroom settings.
As he approaches the end of his time at NCCU School of Law, Fahey continues to leverage his internship experiences in pursuit of a career in appellate criminal defense.
Source: North Carolina Central University
