Samantha Paige Gurney
Samantha.gurney@live.longwood.edu
757-634-2662
October 9th, 2024
235 Scotch Pine Dr
Sandston, VA 23150
Dear Richmond Public Defenders,
The field of Criminology and Criminal Justice has dozens of facets and fields, and while each is important, law and the courts are where my interests lie and where my skills and knowledge contribute. The courts are vital to ensuring that justice is delivered, and I am passionate about learning more about this side of the Criminal Justice System. It is with this goal in mind that I am applying for an internship at your company.
I am interested in working for Richmond Public Defenders because I am fully aligned with your office’s goal of representing people who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer and your community-based approach to advocating for your clients. Your clients are going through some of the most challenging times in their lives and going through the courts can be a daunting experience. It is for that reason that it is so important that they receive respect and compassion during the process.
As a summer camp counselor at Camp Alleghany, I learned the importance of using compassion and respect with others in interacting with campers and my fellow counselors. I developed my soft skills in communication, teamwork, and listening while working there. I also developed organizational and time management skills because of the paperwork and reports I completed. As a Criminal Justice and Sociology major at Longwood University, I have become knowledgeable regarding many facets of the court system and struggles some clients face when entering them. I have given many classes, presentations, completed projects and research papers on the subject. Through the sociology club at Longwood University, I have volunteered and interacted with a wide and diverse population, and I am committed to ensuring my work is free from bias and inequality.
Thank you for considering me as a candidate for an internship at your company. I appreciate the opportunity to share how I can help support your company’s mission. I look forward to hearing back from you and discussing my application in more detail.
Sincerely,
Samantha Gurney