Sarina Chohan ’26, returned to her hometown of San Francisco this summer to work as an intern in the city’s Public Defender’s Office. She had the opportunity to meet with clients in jail, write motions, and even appear in court. Chohan said she was thrilled to spend her summer in San Francisco, where she feels connected to the local community. “Public defense work requires a lot of passion,” said Chohan. “So having a deep connection to the city, and my family and friends to support me, makes me even more passionate about doing the work.”
Where are you interning this summer?
I am currently an intern at the San Francisco Public Defender’s Officer.
What excited you about this opportunity?
I applied for this position because I want to do public defense in the future, and I greatly enjoyed my internship last summer at a public defender’s office. I worked in a small office last summer, so this year I chose to work in San Francisco so I could get the opportunity to see how a larger office functions. I also grew up an hour outside of the city and attended university in San Francisco, so I jumped at the opportunity to return and be back in the community. Public defense work requires a lot of passion, so having a deep connection to the city, and my family and friends to support me, makes me even more passionate about doing the work.
What are you doing in this role?
This summer, I am working under an amazing felony attorney. Depending on what the attorney has going on that day, I will follow him around court as he argues motions, cross-examines witnesses during preliminary hearings, and meets with clients. I sometimes go to the jail with him to meet clients. When nothing is going on in court, I am writing motions or preparing to appear in front of the court.
What has been your favorite part of the experience so far?
My favorite part has been preparing to present motions in front of the court. Last summer, I wasn’t able to appear in front of the court and could only write motions. This summer, I am able to do arraignments, preliminary hearings, and argue motions.
What is your degree program and what area of law are you interested in?
I am currently a rising 3L J.D. candidate. I am drawn to public interest law and have an interest in criminal defense, immigration, and housing law. I am currently president of the Advocates for the Incarcerated student organization at Fordham Law as well as a 3L advisor for the National Lawyers Guild Fordham Law chapter.
Where did you grow up and attend college?
I was born and raised in the Bay Area, specifically Solano County, California. Right after high school, I attended Sacramento City College, where I earned my associate’s degree in philosophy. From there, I transferred to San Francisco State University, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in philosophy.
How do you think this summer experience will help you when you return to Fordham Law and/or in your future career?
This experience will help me greatly because I am able to do some of the more intimidating aspects of the job—such as presenting motions or jail visits—under the supervision of my supervising attorney. Rather than my first time doing an arraignment being when I’m a barred attorney, I get to practice these skills now.
This summer, hundreds of rising 2Ls and 3Ls from Fordham Law are gaining hands-on experience across the country and around the globe. Whether working as summer associates, judicial interns, or fellows, they’re building professional networks, sharpening their legal skills, and exploring their areas of interest through meaningful, real-world engagement. Follow @fordhamlawnyc to read more stories about Fordham Law students’ summer experiences in our #futurefordhamlawyers series.