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The Bronx Defenders

As a legal-advocacy intern with The Bronx Defenders, Sofia Getoff-Scanlon ’26 (political science, Spanish & Portuguese studies) applied lessons learned through both of her majors. After learning about community organizing as in political science classes, Getoff-Scanlon saw firsthand how legal advocacy can impact communities. She also provided translation services for Spanish-speaking clients. Her internship is supported through a Dickinson Summer Internship Grant.

Majors: 

Political science and Spanish & Portuguese studies.

Internship title/position: 

Civil legal advocacy intern.

How I found this internship:

Handshake.

What it's like, day to day:

As a civil legal advocacy intern at The Bronx Defenders (BxD), I interfaced with New York Police Department property clerks and the district attorney's office to release a client's property, which was seized from them upon arrest. I also drafted notices of claim, which are legal documents clients must file to put the city on notice that they intend to sue for police misconduct. I frequently make client calls to provide general case updates, address concerns and gather necessary information.

How it's helpful:

As a political-science major, it's essential to fully grasp how policy decisions made at the highest levels of government often disproportionately affect the most vulnerable community members. This internship has taught me how to work within governmental institutions and make these slow-moving, unfair systems work on behalf of justice-impacted people, rather than against them. Working at BxD has also given me vital practice in speaking Spanish in the legal field and in community organizing, which is a key intersection point between my majors. Using Spanish at my internship has also helped prepare me to study political science abroad in Spain this coming semester.

Prior internship:

Prior to this internship, I spent a summer interning with the mayor of my hometown, Easthampton, Mass. This gave me invaluable knowledge of local politics. Going forward, a goal of mine is to spend a summer internship conducting policy research with a civil rights organization.

Advice for students considering an internship:

Prioritize internships where you can gain hands-on experience. Getting to work with people on the ground and accomplishing tasks that professionals in your desired field tackle on a day-to-day basis will help you affirm or reevaluate your own career goals. I also recommend researching the work culture of your internship organization and applying to positions that reflect your values and collaboration style. Working with resourceful, supportive and empathetic people has made a world of difference in my role this summer and has allowed me how to form a strong network that I can utilize for the rest of my career.

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Published September 26, 2024