Planting Seeds in the Desert: Interviews with Legal Oasis Interns (Part 7)
In this blog post series, interns who are participating in the Legal Oasis Internship program discuss their participation in the program and why they choose to live and serve in an underserved area. Background on this program can be found in the initial blog post of this series. It is our hope that others will be inspired by these stories.
The seventh post in this series is an interview with Gabriel Cassala, a rising 2L at the University of North Carolina School of Law.
The interview was conducted by James S. Perry, a small-town practitioner in Kinston. Mr. Perry is also on the Professionalism Committee with the NCBA and is currently the Executive Director of the Chief Justice Commission on Professionalism.
Gabriel Cassala
Where were you raised, and where did you go to law school?
Gabriel Cassala grew up near St. Augustine, Florida. He graduated from Purdue in 2020. He lives with his fiancée — another Tar Heel — with whom he enjoys digging through secondhand bookstores, exploring craft breweries and running tabletop role-playing games.
What was your path to law school?
My journey to law school began later than most. I was working odd jobs after graduating from college and realized I was not making the impact in my community that my faith called me to make. I decided a legal practice could be my opportunity to make a difference, and so I began studying for the LSAT and was fortunate enough to be accepted to UNC Chapel Hill.
Do you have some idea as to what type of law you eventually would like to practice?
I do not yet have a concrete idea for what my future practice will look like. I am interested in many different areas of law — environmental, agricultural, criminal — so I am open to seeing how my career develops. But, after a few years in Charlotte, I am certain that my fiancé and I will settle down in a small, more rural town, and hopefully start a family.
Share what your experience has been like this summer.
This summer, I observed numerous cases across all the courtrooms in Onslow County, including criminal, veterans treatment and family court. I have also shadowed at the District Attorney’s Office and local firms, learning how they prepare cases and watching that preparation translate into the courtroom. Finally, I worked with the Court Manager, researching legal questions that arose from motions processed through her office.
Who would benefit the most from an internship like this, and why would you encourage other law students to pursue a similar experience?
There are three types of law students whom I would strongly encourage to pursue a similar opportunity during the summer. The first are students who know they want to put down roots in a smaller community — especially if you already know the specific community, as this is an excellent chance to build relationships with the local bar. The second are students who do not have lawyers in their families, as they can see firsthand how courts function on a day-to-day basis. The third are students who are still deciding what area of law they want to practice. Any student who falls into one or more of these categories would find a similar opportunity invaluable.
What has impressed you most about the judges, attorneys and legal professionals you worked with during your internship?
The judges and attorneys have been exceptionally welcoming and candid. I have learned about their struggles and motivations, and I am especially grateful for the few with whom I have had the opportunity to get to know as people, not just as professionals.
How has this internship influenced your career goals or the way you think about your future in the legal profession?
After this experience, I know that I can have a meaningful and rewarding career serving the community at the district court level. This is not a novel realization by any means, but this opportunity has driven home that the people with whom I work are far more important than the specific type of work itself. As a result, I will be sure to pay attention to the culture and values of the local legal community as I decide where to begin my career.