By Stacey Rubain

Elizabeth “Liz” Sharpe is a second-year law student at Campbell Law School in Raleigh. Liz has long believed in the power of government to make a difference. Her commitment to public service runs deep—it’s rooted in a lifelong desire to help others and strengthened by her early professional experiences.

After earning her degree from Meredith College, Liz began her career at the North Carolina General Assembly as a Legislative Assistant, where she worked on public policy and constituent services.  The experience not only deepened her understanding of how law and governance intersect but also showed her firsthand how fair and effective government can improve the lives of everyday citizens.

Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact in her community, Liz spent the summer of 2025 interning at the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) in the Special Litigation Section. There, she conducted legal research across a range of complex issues and contributed to drafting a section of a criminal appellate brief — a project she calls one of her most meaningful experiences. Her supervising attorneys encouraged her to take ownership of the argument’s development and structure and to think critically, helping her strengthen her legal writing and analytical skills while exploring new areas of law.

Liz found her experience at the NCDOJ deeply rewarding. Working alongside talented and experienced attorneys who dedicate their careers to public service reinforced her own commitment to pursuing justice through the law. As the first in her family to enter the legal profession, Liz valued the opportunity to learn from dedicated public servants and gain insight into meaningful legal careers in government. Her internship further solidified her goal of working in public service, and she encourages other law students interested in this path to seek out similar opportunities—especially at the NCDOJ.

By Shane Murphy

Working as an intern at the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission, I’ve had the unique opportunity to contribute to the critical work of investigating post-conviction claims of innocence. This experience has been both challenging and rewarding, offering insights into the complexities of the criminal justice system and the meticulous process of seeking truth and justice. This is the type of role that I believe is only possible in a public-sector position, where an agency like the Commission can operate on their charge without financial motives.

One of main responsibilities I had during my internship was assisting in the evaluation of innocence claims. This process is far more intricate and demanding than I initially imagined. Each claim requires a thorough, objective analysis that often involves sifting through mountains of documentation. When a new claim comes in, we would start by reviewing the initial application. This document provides an overview of the case and the basis for the innocence claim. From there, we dive into the case files, which include trial transcripts, police reports, forensic analyses, and any post-conviction filings.

Read more

By Sadie Pruett 

After previously interning with the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in the U.S. House of Representatives and with the Department of Defense, I have actively sought internships involving advocacy for veterans since 2020. Four years later and in my 1L year at Wake Forest Law, I took advantage of the opportunity to intern in the Office of General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Read more

By Emily Jacobson

I looked forward to my first summer for my entire 1L year. I frequently heard older students and mentors describe their first summers as the moment when all the pieces fell together. Heading into their second year of law school, they felt a deeper understanding and appreciation for the work they do while in school. Now, at the conclusion of my first summer and the early stages of my 2L year, I echo those sentiments.

I spent this summer interning with the North Carolina Department of Justice Medicaid Investigations Division. MID represents the interests of the citizens of North Carolina, particularly as they relate to the health care industry. The bulk of MID’s work involves investigating and prosecuting Medicaid fraud; they also handle patient abuse cases in Medicaid-funded facilities across North Carolina. MID’s work is critical for protecting the integrity of the Medicaid system and guarding state and federal funds from bad actors.

I was eager to work with MID and explore what I now know is an interesting, and often overlooked, area of law. My experience was enriching, and it allowed me to practice the skills I developed during my first year at Campbell Law. More importantly, however, this summer was the first chance I have had to engage in meaningful legal work for the benefit of my community. Since beginning law school, I have been eager to apply my developing legal skills in a practical and useful way. My internship with MID was an excellent opportunity to do so, and I am grateful I could spend my summer in this way.

Read more