“Being a judge not only involves hearing cases in Court, it also involves working daily with a team of people to collaborate, research, connect with and make law. Inviting students to watch oral arguments, tour the Court, and have real conversations with us as judges helps them see what the judicial process is all about.”— Judge Jennifer Kinsley
On June 30, 2025, the First District Court of Appeals welcomed 46 interns from six agencies. Students from the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office, the Ohio Justice & Policy Center, the Hamilton County Domestic Relations Court, the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hamilton County Clerk of Court’s Office, and the Federal Court got an inside look at the Ohio appellate judicial process. The day began with the opportunity to observe oral arguments. Afterward, students toured the court and had the chance to meet the Court’s administrative team. Next, students engaged in a question-and-answer session with the day’s panel of judges, which included Judge Jennifer Kinsley, Judge Ginger S. Bock, and Judge Richard L. Moore. Interns were also able to engage with some of the Court’s staff attorneys and learned what it is like to work at an appellate court. The day ended with a group lunch where students had the opportunity to connect with the judges, staff attorneys, court administrators, and each other.
Reflecting on the day, Brooke Davis, an intern from the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts, said, “When we get to go and experience other courts and practices, it feels like putting all the pieces to a much larger puzzle together. Intern day was an important part to connecting all of our individual experiences in the Cincinnati legal field so far, and it was a great opportunity to meet other interns as well!” Claire LeRoy, First District Court of Appeals intern, agreed, saying, “It was such a great experience to connect with interns from the other agencies and see how everyone’s work intersects in the judicial process.”
Intern Day provided an excellent opportunity for interns around Cincinnati to learn firsthand from experienced professionals. First District Judge Richard L. Moore described the event as “a great opportunity to speak with aspiring lawyers and law students about the practice of our Court and our journey to the bench.” First District Staff Attorney Saria Lattimore, who participated in one of the question-and-answer panels, added, “I felt like it was a great opportunity for students to see how the appellate court works.”
The First District’s summer interns continue to express their gratitude to the Court and other local organizations for providing meaningful experiences this summer. Grace Troutman said, “The legal community in Cincinnati, particularly the courts, do a spectacular job of granting opportunities for students to learn and experience the legal system at every level, and I really admire the hard work that the judges put into curating experiences like this.”
The First District Court of Appeals is grateful to everyone who helped make the day a success and looks forward to hosting this event for many years to come.
To view oral arguments from June 30, 2025, click here.