Internship Chronicles, Chapter 43: Yaniah 'Niah' Powell

One fall day, a Student Prince decided to go on a little adventure. “It won’t be long before I have a career,” the Prince said, “so I’d better start preparing now.” So with some ’Berg education under their hat, and some connections in their back pocket, the Student Prince began forging their way through an internship.

We resume our web series, Internship Chronicles.

Chapter 43: A Journey through the Legal Profession

Yaniah “Niah” Powell is a junior majoring in Criminology and Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She is from Cleveland. After graduation, Niah’s professional aspiration is to pursue a career in law enforcement, with a particular focus on joining either the Secret Service or the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force. This summer, she completed an internship at the law office of W. Scott Ramsey in Cleveland.

How did you find your internship, or how did the internship find you?

I secured my internship through an introduction made by my boyfriend’s mother, a paralegal assistant, who knew of my interest in law enforcement and connected me with Attorney Scott Ramsey.

What did you expect from your internship initially?

Initially, I expected my internship to provide hands-on experience in legal proceedings, including exposure to courtroom proceedings, client interactions, and the practical applications of legal principles.

What really happened in your day-to-day work?

In my day-to-day work, I reviewed case files, conducted legal research, attended court proceedings, and participated in client meetings. I also assisted Attorney Ramsey in preparing for trials and hearings.

What connections have you made?

I have made valuable connections, including meeting with several former Secret Service agents, as well as engaging with legal professionals and law enforcement personnel through my internship.

What is the most valuable thing you’ll bring back to the classroom after this experience?

The most valuable thing I’ll bring back to the classroom is a deeper understanding of the practical applications of legal principles, particularly those related to legal proceedings and interactions with defense attorneys.