Sky Staes ’26: Summer Intern at Napa County District Attorney's Office

This summer, I had the honor of interning with the Victim Witness Division of the Napa County District Attorney's Office. The District Attorney's Office reviews and prosecutes criminal violations committed in Napa County on behalf of the State of California. Alongside attorneys, I managed a caseload of over 50 Superior Court cases, primarily involving DUI, vehicular, and financial crimes. I prepared case briefs, attended hearings, and supported victim and witness communication as well as restitution compliance. I also researched changes in state and federal legislation affecting the division to help maintain alignment with evolving legal standards. Outside of casework, I assisted with community outreach, including public education on elder financial fraud.

The experience clarified my interest in litigation by allowing me to work directly with prosecutors, investigators, and legal staff. It sharpened my legal writing and research skills, but more importantly, deepened my understanding of how the law can serve people. One of the most meaningful parts of the internship was working directly with victims and seeing how the legal system can support recovery rather than just punishment. This is especially true in California, which has long led the nation in victims' rights, establishing, for example, the first state-level crime victim compensation program in 1965.

Contributing to that legacy has truly been an honor, and this summer confirmed that I want to keep working at the intersection of law and public service. I would like to express my gratitude to CXD and the Gormley Internship Fund for making this opportunity possible.

 

Internship funded by Gormley Internship Fund