Staff Portal

Next in our Postcards from the Practice series featuring Duke Law students doing exciting work in big law, pro bono projects, and more is Neeki Memarzadeh JD/LLM '23, who interned for Judge Todd M. Hughes ’92 on the Court of Appeals for the federal circuit this summer. “This summer, I interned in Judge Hughes’s chambers at the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in D.C. prior to beginning classes at the Duke-Leiden Institute. I analyzed party arguments and evidence and drafted a memo recommending a course of action to Judge Hughes for a federal employment matter. I was also able to participate in case discussions and observe oral arguments. I’m so grateful for the experience, not only because I had the opportunity to learn and participate every day, but more importantly because of the people. Judge Hughes, his clerks, and judicial assistant were so generous and down-to-earth. We all enjoyed lunch together every day. Judge Hughes always took the time to explain the legal framework, provide feedback, and give advice on starting my legal career. Two of the clerks had graduated from Duke last year and actively sought to mentor me not only in my capacity as a judicial intern, but also as a rising 2L. A highlight of the internship was finishing early on Fridays to spend time together and talk about the week and non-case-related things.” Keep watching for our next ‘Postcards from the Practice’ feature in this #summerpostcard series.