07/17/2026
Our interns were kind enough to share their passion for law and the professional growth and experiences they've had while working with the Johnson County Attorney's Office. Meet Sara!
My name is Sara, and I am one of the interns working for the Johnson County Attorney's Office. While I am currently a rising 3L at the University of Iowa College of Law, my path has been a little different from that of most of my law school classmates.
I was born in the United States but moved to Panama City, Panama, when I was just three years old. From a very young age, I knew that a career in law was my calling. Even as a child, I hated seeing people treated unfairly and was deeply bothered by injustice. Although I did not fully understand what being a lawyer meant at the time, I knew I wanted to be part of a profession dedicated to resolving disputes and advocating for others.
After graduating from high school, I attended law school in Panama while working at a law firm, where I gained exposure to several areas of the law. Although I enjoyed learning about different practice areas, I quickly realized that litigation and courtroom advocacy are what I enjoyed most.
After graduating from law school, I began a Master's in Procedural Law in Panama, which eventually led me to apply to several LL.M. programs in the United States. I decided to attend Georgetown University Law Center, where I earned my Master of Laws (LL.M.) in 2023, along with a Certificate in Arbitration and Dispute Resolution. During my LL.M., I externed at an international arbitration firm. While I loved every minute of it, the experience reinforced my desire to build my career as a litigator.
After speaking with my academic advisor, I learned that many litigation positions in the United States are reserved for graduates of American J.D. programs. After much thought, I decided that if the only thing standing between me and my dream of becoming a litigator was returning to school, I would gladly do it. I enrolled at the University of Iowa College of Law, and as soon as I became eligible to obtain a student practice license, I did not hesitate to apply for an internship with the Johnson County Attorney's Office.
I started working here in May 2025 and loved it so much that I stayed throughout the academic year and returned for a second summer. I genuinely believe that few legal internships provide students with the opportunity to argue cases before judges under a student practice license, giving them invaluable experience in developing their advocacy and litigation skills. Because of that, I am extremely grateful to the Johnson County Attorney's Office.
Beyond the courtroom experience, what has made this internship truly exceptional has been the people. Every attorney I have worked with has been an incredible mentor, and everyone in the office has made me feel welcome from day one. I am incredibly grateful for the trust, mentorship, and invaluable experience I have gained here, and I know it will continue to shape me throughout my legal career.
