A Look into My Internship with the NCDOJ Medicaid Investigations Division

By Emily Jacobson Emily, a white woman with golden brown hair, wears a white shirt and black blazer.

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.

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A Look Into My Internship With the Alamance County Public Defender’s Office

Grant, a white man with brown hair, wears a grey shirt, black blazer and maroon, navy and pale grey tie.By Grant Gergen 

This past summer I spent my first summer as a law student interning at Alamance County’s newly opened public defender’s office. The reason I chose this opportunity truly began from my time in college and the long journey I took before entering law school. I began law school as somewhat of a non-traditional student, having graduated from undergraduate studies at the University of Florida in 2019. I spent the next fifteen months living in Ecuador as a teacher for the Peace Corps (unfortunately, cut short by the pandemic), after that, a year in Wyoming for AmeriCorps, then, two years of graduate school at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and finally, choosing to attend law school at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

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Young Lawyers Mobilize for Disaster Legal Services

Brooks, a white woman with long, light brown hair, wears a white shirt and light blue blazer.By Brooks Savage 

In response to Tropical Storm Helene, the Disaster Legal Services (DLS) Program has been activated and young lawyers across the state, and the nation, are mobilizing to volunteer.

Disaster Legal Services

Disaster Legal Services (DLS) is authorized under the Stafford Act to provide pro bono legal services for low-income individuals who are unable to secure legal services to meet their needs as a consequence of a major disaster. After the President declares a Major Disaster Declaration (MDD), DLS is authorized as an Individual Assistance (IA) Program through the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) and is administered through the states in partnership with the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association (ABA).

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10 Points of Retirement Planning: An Overview of Recommendations from Professionals

Martin, a white man with white hair and a beard, wears a pale blue button-down shirt.By Martin A. Ginsburg

Retirement is a significant milestone in life, and preparing for it requires careful planning, smart investments, and a disciplined savings strategy. With the right plan in place, you can ensure a financially stable and fulfilling retirement. This guide aims to provide a thorough overview of retirement planning, from setting your goals to making the most of your Social Security benefits and managing healthcare costs. Whether you are just starting your paralegal career or nearing retirement, this comprehensive guide will help you develop a clear strategy to meet your retirement goals.

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Assignment of Income Doctrine

John, a white man with dark brown hair, wears a pale blue shirt, lime green and blue tie, and black suit. By John G. Hodnette

The assignment of income doctrine was established in Lucas v. Earl, 281 U.S. 111 (1930). It is a judicial doctrine that requires income earned by a taxpayer to be taxed to the taxpayer regardless of to whom it is paid. In Lucas, the taxpayer assigned to another individual his right to receive a payment for services. In Blair, 300 U.S. 5 (1937), the Supreme Court confirmed the doctrine applies to income arising from property as well as service income.

The anticipatory assignment of income doctrine is a longstanding “first principle of income taxation.” Commissioner v. Banks, 543 U.S. 426, 434 (2005) (quoting Commissioner v. Culbertson, 337 U.S. 733, 739–40 (1949)). The doctrine ensures income is taxed “to those who earn or otherwise create the right to receive it,” Helvering v. Horst, 311 U.S. 112, 119 (1940).  Tax cannot be avoided “by anticipatory arrangements and contracts however skillfully devised,” Lucas v. Earl at 115.

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A Look Into My Internship With the Durham County Attorney’s Office

Alyson, a white woman with blond hair, wears a white shirt and teal blazer.By Alyson Hanlon 

This past summer I interned with the Durham County Attorneys who represent the Department of Social Services in the Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency (A/N/D) court. I spent time researching various legal, medical, and psychological issues. I was able to witness how collaborative the A/N/D court is, and how passionate each attorney is, in their representation of their parties.

My favorite research project was when I was able to research a medical disease that a child was allegedly diagnosed with. I had grown so used to researching legal problems, that I almost forgot that other research existed. I found researching medicine and diseases, and how that correlates with the legal system, extremely thought-provoking. In the A/N/D court, many of the attorneys need to become “mini” experts in medical problems, drugs, and other topics. This knowledge allows them to understand the facts from the cases more easily and come up with questions for the adjudication hearing. After spending time researching the disease I was assigned, I was able to talk with the attorneys about symptoms, and how to diagnose and treat them. This part of the research allowed the attorneys to recognize strengths and weaknesses in their argument. My research was a small part of one child’s case yet helped the attorneys further their understanding and strengthen their argument for trial.

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Belonging With Purpose: The Benefits of Joining the NCBA Young Lawyers Division

Samantha, a white woman with blond hair and brown glasses, wears a white shirt and navy blazer. By Samantha Gordon

As a young lawyer in North Carolina, one of the most valuable steps you can take in shaping your career is becoming actively involved in the North Carolina Bar Association’s (NCBA) Young Lawyers Division (YLD). Not only does this provide numerous professional and personal benefits, but it also opens doors to meaningful networking opportunities, professional development, and ways to give back to the community. Here’s why you should get involved, how to sign up, and why it matters.

Why You Should Get Involved

1. Professional Development

Starting your legal career can feel daunting, but the YLD provides an invaluable opportunity for young attorneys to enhance their legal skills, build leadership experience, and access mentorship. The YLD offers a variety of workshops, CLE programs, and conferences that allow you to stay updated on the latest legal trends and practice areas, which will set you up for success. Read more

Member Spotlight: Get to Know Lauren Snyder

Lauren, a white woman with brown hair, wears a burgundy colored blouse. Foliage in the background.By Lauren Snyder 

My name is Lauren Snyder, and I’m honored to serve as Vice Chair of the WIP Committee this year. I’m also excited to be featured in the first member spotlight this year and look forward to reading about my fellow members in the months to come!

What law school did you attend, and what was your graduation year?

GW Law, 2013.

Describe what a typical workday is like.

I just moved in-house after ten and a half years in private practice, so it has shifted quite a bit. My job now is negotiating contracts and solving corporate problems. I love the mix of drafting/editing agreements and meeting with folks to help solve problems in real time. I’d say I spend about half my time in meetings and half drafting. I also have awesome colleagues who I love to get lunch with or attend various SAS activities with. (I recently took an amazing cooking class and have signed up for a ballet strength conditioning class in October.)

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A Look Into My Internship With the Durham County Attorney’s Office

Alyson, a white woman with blond hair, wears a white shirt and teal blazer.By Alyson Hanlon 

This past summer I interned with the Durham County Attorneys who represent the Department of Social Services in the Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency (A/N/D) court. I spent time researching various legal, medical, and psychological issues. I was able to witness how collaborative the A/N/D court is, and how passionate each attorney is, in their representation of their parties.

My favorite research project was when I was able to research a medical disease that a child was allegedly diagnosed with. I had grown so used to researching legal problems, that I almost forgot that other research existed. I found researching medicine and diseases, and how that correlates with the legal system, extremely thought-provoking. In the A/N/D court, many of the attorneys need to become “mini” experts in medical problems, drugs, and other topics. This knowledge allows them to understand the facts from the cases more easily and come up with questions for the adjudication hearing. After spending time researching the disease I was assigned, I was able to talk with the attorneys about symptoms, and how to diagnose and treat them. This part of the research allowed the attorneys to recognize strengths and weaknesses in their argument. My research was a small part of one child’s case yet helped the attorneys further their understanding and strengthen their argument for trial.

Read more

A Look Into My Internship With the NCDOJ Medicaid Investigations Division

By Emily Jacobson Emily, a white woman with golden brown hair, wears a white shirt and black blazer.

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