Brett Gierke ‘ 17 – Working at the Law Office of Jeffrey Boggess this summer has been absolutely fantastic. Every day of work is different. Each client comes in with their own stories, which makes every case unique and interesting. 
While at the office, I’ve had the opportunity to watch Mr. Boggess as well as his associate attorney, Scott Bieniek, deal with cases such as dissolutions, child custody, personal injury, a dispute about a land easement, issues that arise when a will is not filled out entirely, name changes, criminal activity, small claims, litigation, real estate, CHINS, paternity, protective order, guardianship, and wills and trusts.
Over the past six weeks I’ve been able to learn through many hands on activities. I have sat in on mediations and facilitations, written letters to other attorneys (which allowed me to see the style of writing an attorney would use), created exhibits for a court case, scanned case documents into the firm’s computer system, reviewed case files to prep for upcoming hearings; and I’ve seen how a lawyer conducts himself while in the office with clients, as well as while in the courtroom.
This internship has helped to enhance my liberal arts education by showing me you must remain open-minded in order to experience the big picture. After all, that does play a large role in what a liberal arts education represents. Having the opportunity to work here has helped increase my desire to go to law school. I’ve been able to see the effort a lawyer must put into his work every single day; but in the end, I feel it’s worth it to help someone in a time of need. I would like to thank the Lilly Endowment, Inc. for the generosity in encouraging internships in Indiana and providing me with this wonderful opportunity. I would also like to give a special thanks to Mr. Jeffrey Boggess (class of ’89) for allowing me to be his chosen intern for the summer and for showing me what a Wabash man is.
