Drake Law’s supportive legal community—including alumni, mentors, and other practicing attorneys—opens doors that set students apart.
Drake Law students graduate with exceptional hands-on experience, taking the lead in real-world trials even before earning their degrees. This year alone, as interns with the Polk County Attorney’s Office, students have:
- Delivered opening statements, directed witnesses, and handled pretrial motions in cases ranging from robbery and stalking to first-degree murder.
- Prosecuted complex charges such as habitual offenses, sexual exploitation, and murder, playing pivotal roles in the courtroom.
- Worked alongside seasoned attorneys in high-stakes trials, gaining invaluable insights into trial strategy, voir dire, and closing arguments.
These experiences are more than practice—they are transformative.
Ankit Pal credits his practical, real-world experiences as key to his development as a future attorney, noting that they provide a clear advantage over peers from other institutions. “I’ve played a lead role in five jury trials,” said Pal. “I wouldn’t have gotten this experience anywhere else.” His work as a student attorney has not only sharpened his trial and advocacy skills but also deepened his appreciation for integrity, ethical decision-making, and the human stories behind legal cases.
The internship with the Polk County Attorney’s Office was the main reason Monica Pietig chose Drake Law School. As a student attorney, she has participated in numerous court hearings and three jury trials, gaining invaluable insight into the practice of law. “The practical skills I have gained and the connections I’ve made working with the Polk County Attorney’s Office are by far my favorite experience of law school,” said Pietig.
Adi Peppels reflected on her jury trial as an incredible learning opportunity. Delivering her opening statement and directing witnesses gave her profound insights into trial dynamics and the courtroom process.