Internship Spotlight: Amiya Strother, Wagner PLLC Law Firm

In the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, students are encouraged to discover their passions through their studies and to pursue those interests beyond the classroom. This summer, our students obtained internships across various fields and we’re proud to spotlight their experiences!

Amiya Strother, a junior majoring in Jurisprudence, Law and Society, obtained a legal internship with Camille Wagner, Esq. in Washington D.C. after discovering the opportunity and connecting with Wagner through The Washington Center, a program that both Wagner PLLC Law Firm and Montclair is partnered with.

Having always aspired to be a criminal attorney, Strother is able to get true hands-on experience by shadowing her supervisor, a working criminal attorney, and aiding her in preparing for and attending trials. Strother reviews body-camera footage, attends client meetings both in the office and in jail, and analyzes other evidence.

“Honestly, the fact that she (Wagner) is a criminal defense attorney is what made me most excited about the position because that’s been my dream career since high school,” says Strother.

But perhaps one of the best takeaways from the experience outside of the classroom is a more open-mind and awareness of the many opportunities that await her: “Since coming to Washington, I’ve learned not to rush my decisions and to explore all areas of law completely.”

Furthermore, being in the field has taught Strother one of the most essential professional skills: networking.

“I think being in professional settings with professionals in positions you aspire to be in can significantly build up your networking skills more than just learning about it (in a classroom),” she says.

Read more student intern experiences!

Written by Sarah Ramirez