This past summer, the Impact Office at the Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought awarded a grant to two YU students, Justin Eichel and Atarah Mandel, who served as interns for prominent judges in New York. Each gained first-hand experience in the inner workings of the American judicial system. Their internships exemplify the kind of hands-on legal education supported by the Straus Center, reinforcing their understanding of U.S. democratic institutions while cultivating key skills.
Justin Eichel, interning for Justice David B. Cohen, was immersed in legal proceedings and tasked with drafting sections of judicial decisions. His work involved meticulous analysis of contracts, transcripts, and legal stipulations, in order to help support judicial decision-making. Reflecting on his experience, Justin noted, 鈥淚 spent nearly three weeks going through court documents related to a high-profile big pharma case with a lot of complex judicial history. Drafting a facts section for the court鈥檚 decision was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences.鈥 Through this process, Justin honed his skills in legal analysis and writing while observing how decisions are made in real time.
Atarah Mandel interned for Judge Rachel E. Freier, where she gained insights into the guardianship system鈥攁 particularly sensitive and complex area of law. Her responsibilities included tracking case developments, following up with attorneys, and ensuring that timelines were adhered to. Atarah described her work as crucial for maintaining the court鈥檚 efficiency, saying, 鈥淭he judge would often describe the approximately 2,000 cases as cars on a cluttered highway. There were cases that required emergency attention, cases that had not moved for too long, and most of all, the pathway needed to be cleared so that new cases could make their way through.鈥 In her work as an intern, she learned how crucial it is to keep the judicial system moving smoothly. She also highlighted the mentorship she received from Judge Freier, who modeled for her how to balance Orthodox Jewish values with the demands of a secular legal environment.
Both students found their internships to be profoundly instructive. For Justin, spending time in the courtroom brought home the importance of careful jury selection. He discovered how a jury鈥檚 makeup can influence the outcome of a trial, learning from experienced litigators that even the most thorough preparation can be upended by unexpected juror dynamics. For Atarah, the sensitivity required in handling guardianship cases underscored the human dimension of the law, where empathy and professionalism intersect.
These experiences align with the Straus Center鈥檚 commitment to fostering leaders who are both well-versed in the Western intellectual tradition and deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition. For Justin and Atarah, their internships provided an opportunity to combine their academic learning with practical experience in a way that prepares them for future leadership in law and public service. As Justin reflected, 鈥淓xposure to the court and its inner workings reaffirmed my appreciation for our justice system. The pursuit of truth, righteousness, and change all converge in the halls of our courts.鈥
By engaging with complex legal questions and observing how democratic institutions function at the ground level, these students are not just advancing their careers鈥攖hey are becoming informed advocates for justice and integrity within the legal profession. Atarah summed it up: 鈥淭he Straus Center produces scholars who are genuine to their identity, committed to intellectualism and professionalism鈥攖raits that are crucial for success in law.鈥
As the Straus Center continues to support such opportunities, students like Justin and Atarah are gaining invaluable experience that complements their classroom education, positioning them to make meaningful contributions to both the Jewish community and American society.
