Josh Abrams' International Law Internship Experience at Heskia-Hacmun

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What was Josh Abrams' legal internship experience at Heskia-Hacmun Law Firm?

Josh Abrams' legal internship experience at Heskia-Hacmun Law Firm involved a broad spectrum of international law, including drafting and editing contracts, motions, and affidavits, as well as researching issues in Israeli, American, English, and European law. He also gained hands-on experience with the Israeli legal process, accompanying firm members to court proceedings and legal research throughout Israel. Abrams, from Atlanta, GA, with a J.D. from the University of Georgia (expected May 2008) and a B.A. in History from Emory University (2004), found the firm challenged him with significant responsibilities rarely seen by interns at American firms, while also ensuring he enjoyed his stay in Israel, visiting sites like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Education: J.D., University of Georgia (expected completion, May 2008), B.A. in History, Emory University, 2004

Language: English

Contact: Joshabramsydg@gmail.com

I did not know what to expect before I arrived at Heskia-Hacmun Israeli Law firm; not only was I about to begin my first legal internship, but it would also be in a foreign country where I only had a minimal knowledge of the language. I assumed that I would be simply filing and photocopying papers. While a number of my friends had already visited Israel and I kept myself abreast of Israeli news, I still expected Israel to be a developed but largely monolithic country full of old relics and sights.

Instead, from day one Heskia-Hacmun Law office challenged me with a broad spectrum of international law. The firm gave me responsibility on a number of projects that few law students will ever see interning at an American law firm. I drafted and edited contracts, motions and affidavits while also researching issues in Israeli, American, English and European law. I also gained hands on experience with the Israeli legal process. I accompanied members of the firm to court proceedings, filings of motions and legal research throughout Israel.

Heskia-Hacmun did not just give me a number of learning opportunities in Israeli and international law, they also ensured that I enjoyed my stay in Israel. I had ample time to visit Jerusalem, Haifa, the Dead Sea and Massada. The firm’s collegial environment allowed me to befriend a number of the attorney’s in the office, which helped me not only see the tourist side of Tel Aviv and Israel, but also get an insiders look at Tel Aviv. I discovered that Tel Aviv is an international city comparable to New York, London or Paris, with a population from all ends of the earth, and an exciting cultural scene and night life. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to intern at Heskia-Hacmun Law firm. I not only gained valuable experience in the practice of international law, but I also had the chance to live and travel throughout a fascinating and diverse country.