Aaliyah LeCompte is a second-year law student at North Carolina Central University School of Law (“NCCU Law”). Her passion for serving others began even before entering law school. Aaliyah mentored children and also worked as a behavior technician, and these experiences strengthened her passion for helping people navigate challenging circumstances. This summer, she interned as a clerk with the Durham County District Court Judges’ Justice is Blind Program, and Aaliyah gained valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of district court.

Aaliyah Lecompte

Aaliyah approached her clerkship with enthusiasm, though not without apprehension. As a rising 2L, Aaliyah was candid about her fears of litigation and even stepping into a courthouse. Clerking for the Durham County District Court Judges provided her with a meaningful opportunity to confront those fears directly. Aaliyah spent her summer observing different district court proceedings, conducting legal research, and analyzing statutes. One of her most memorable experiences was the chance for Aaliyah and her fellow clerk to deliver a closing argument in an old DWI case before the District Court Judges and local attorneys. Aaliyah found this experience frightening and exhilarating at the same time. Confronting her fears was extremely rewarding for Aaliyah, and she received positive feedback about her performance.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Aaliyah’s clerkship experience was the opportunity to network with judges and local attorneys. Inspired by NCCU Law’s guiding principle, “my network is my network,” Aaliyah was intentional about connecting with the legal professionals she met each day. Through conversations about their personal backgrounds, interests, and paths to the law, Aaliyah gained a deeper understanding of how essential community and connection are within the legal profession. She encourages other law students interested in a career in public interest to take advantage of all networking opportunities presented to them, because getting to know others in the legal profession will not only open doors professionally, but it will also help new lawyers feel a sense of belonging in the profession.

Aaliyah’s summer clerkship left a lasting impact. Before clerking, Aaliyah never considered a career in criminal law or litigation. However, seeing the inner workings of district court and seeing the positive impact attorneys who practice in district court can have has opened Aaliyah up to considering a career in litigation or criminal law. As a result of her clerkship experience, Aaliyah gained more confidence, practical knowledge, and a network of mentors and friends. Aaliyah is deeply grateful for her time with the Durham County District Court Judges and the growth it inspired.

November 24, 2025/by CriminalJustice