The Transformative Power of FYSIP: A Student Story
Suffolk’s First-Year Summer Internship Program (FYSIP) has been empowering the futures of our law students for 20 years. In fact, more than 1,000 first-year law students have had invaluable opportunities to work alongside judges in federal and state courts across Massachusetts, thanks to FYSIP. These transformative internships serve as a springboard, launching careers in public service and the broader legal profession.
Current Suffolk Law student Julia Casey is a terrific example of FYSIP’s continuing power and why support is needed for this remarkable program.
Julia is in her second year at Suffolk Law. She serves as Vice President of Suffolk’s Immigration Law Association and a staff member of the Suffolk Transnational Law Review.
Last summer, Julia interned for Judge Gustavo A. Gelpí, JD ’91, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. It was a rigorous assignment, beginning with one week at the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse in Boston, continuing for six more weeks in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Judge Gelpí’s base), and concluding in Boston.
According to Julia, “Being able to intern for a First Circuit judge through FYSIP was a huge honor. Getting insights on the workings of the federal court system made me a better writer, researcher, and thinker. I was able to see so many different questions that worked their way through other courts, analyze them at a high level, talk to the judge, and observe how different judges interacted with attorneys during oral arguments. The overall breadth of the experience was incredible.”
Julia’s FYSIP stipend was critical to her participation. Without it, the program would have been a financial burden, and we want to ensure that all students can participate in the program regardless of their financial circumstances.
Donations to the Karen Frankel Blum, JD '74 First Year Summer Internship Program provide crucial stipends for judicial interns as well as travel allowances to students like Julia with financial need. Please consider giving back and enabling the next generation of Suffolk Law students to participate in this transformative program.
Double Your Impact: Make your gift today to take advantage of Stanton Dodge’s matching challenge. Your contribution will go twice as far in supporting Suffolk Law students.
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Join Us: Meet Julia, connect with Karen Blum, and spend time with fellow FYSIP alumni at the 20th Anniversary Celebration on April 10, 2025.