LEAP Center interns work in various capacities, from businesses, to government offices, to non-profits, but they also learn from each other and outside the workplace. Approximately twice a month, LEAP interns–“City Fellows”–meet outside the office to enhance their internship experience. This month their outside-the-workplace experience involved a “guest lecturer” of sorts: Judge David Moorman led a tour of the District Court in the Walker County Courthouse.
The tour and discussion involved an overview of the (1) County Judge (Floor 2), (2) the County Court at Law Judge (Floor 1), (3) the Grand Jury room (Floor 3), and (4) the District Court courtroom (Floor 3). Combined with their prior tours, which included among other places/venues, the Municipal Courtroom…
…the Fellows reviewed the judicial system, going over which kinds of cases make it to a JP or Municipal Court, County Court at Law, or the District Court–the latter consisting almost exclusively of felony cases.
For some of the interns, this was just one of several meetings with Judge Moorman. The Judge has generously spoken at the Pre-Law Society meetings…
…invited LEAP Ambassadors to some of his trials, joined the students at various events they have hosted…
…and is a regular attendee at the Ambassadors’ annual 10th Court of Appeals hearings.
Victoria McClendon, who was also on hand, worked for Moorman while she was at SHSU, and after her graduation from law school, he swore her into the Texas Bar.
Indeed, when Moorman walked into the courtroom, he saw McClendon and asked, “Are you returning to school?”
More seriously, Judge Moorman discussed some of those felonies that make it to his court, while also discussing other aspects of his career: his work in a law firm; his decision to run for a judicial position; how judicial proceedings can differ in smaller and larger towns; and his time prosecuting for the Municipal Court.
This discussion also ventured into advice for young attorneys. Oddly, even as Huntsville has grown over the years, the number of attorneys in the community has declined. For those attorneys who do wish to make their mark in a community, they often take their cues from more established attorneys. But in communities with fewer attorneys, such models may be lacking. But Moorman stressed the importance of gaining respect, which is earned by being prepared, taking a work-horse rather than a show-horse approach, and looking out for the best interests of your clients.
Of course, this is good advice for almost all occupations–a fitting discussion for interns with different backgrounds, working for different agencies, all of whom are contemplating their future.
With many thanks to Judge Moorman, it was a rewarding outside-of-class / outside-of-work learning experience in which the LEAP Center specializes.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 