At the beginning of my internship with Georgia Justice Project, one of personal goals was to end the summer feeling reinvigorated before heading into my last year of law school. From the very first week of my internship, GJP demonstrated to me that that goal was achievable. Over this summer, I have been struck by GJP’s intentionality and values, particularly their value of optimism. Optimism truly does permeate the atmosphere at GJP. There is a culture at GJP of looking … read more 2022 Summer Intern Reflections – Emily
Many people are now aware of our nation’s issue of mass incarceration and injustice within the criminal legal system. It can be easy to dismiss these structural issues as too complicated or entrenched to be dismantled. However, interning with the Georgia Justice Project has opened my eyes to the grassroots effort to combat injustice within our legal system while supporting individuals and their families throughout this struggle. I knew I wanted to be a part of this effort as soon … read more 2022 Summer Intern Reflections – Jack
My favorite thing about my experience as a summer legal intern at GJP has been the opportunity to connect with, support, and learn from clients who are directly impacted by the system. On the records team, I saw first-hand the ways that criminal records pose as barriers to employment, housing, and licensing for so many of our clients, and how even dismissed cases from decades ago can hold someone back from moving forward with their lives. I loved hearing from … read more 2022 Summer Intern Reflections – Lexi
Working with Georgia Justice Project (GJP) changed me in ways I didn’t expect. From interviewing potential clients in local jails and prisons, counseling citizens who are striving to overcome barriers to success because of a mistake they made years ago, speaking with GA Supreme Court Justices about legal reform, working in the same neighborhood where MLK, Jr. grew up, witnessing GJP clients defy the odds — to collaborating with colleagues on how our daily work intersects with, and challenges, our … read more 2022 Summer Intern Reflections – Lindsey
My internship with the Georgia Justice Project greatly expanded my understanding of the criminal justice system. I learned how child support is used as another tool to separate families of color; I witnessed how a decades old offense can plague someone as they look for housing and employment; and I learned how records can be filed under incorrect information, making it extremely difficult for someone to learn their criminal record. However, witnessing the dehumanization of individuals who have interacted with … read more 2020 Summer Intern Reflection – Jack Swinson