NYC Gazette

Neil-Aryan Patil is currently interning at the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, in the chambers of Hon. Joanne D. Quinones. The internship offers him exposure to serious subject matter on a daily basis, but he particularly values the camaraderie within the team.

"Judge Quinones and the clerks have fostered a welcoming learning environment where we can effortlessly switch from joking around to learning more about what it takes to be an attorney full time," says Neil, whose Gallatin concentration focuses on rhetoric, international politics, and law.

The internship has also enhanced his writing skills. "Legal writing places an emphasis on clarity, brevity, and the soundness of your logic," Neil explains. "Drafting legal documents has made me more efficient, both in the way I communicate my arguments and how quickly I’m able to digest and collate information."

Neil's primary job responsibilities include legal writing, research, taking notes during court sessions, and assisting Judge Quinones with procuring relevant documents for court proceedings. He often drafts decisions, orders, and fact patterns while researching case law to provide clerks with relevant precedents.

Inspired by Amazon Prime's show "Jury Duty," which underscores the importance of community in finding justice, Neil appreciates his daily lunch breaks with coworkers who are described as intelligent and compassionate. They enjoy taco Tuesdays and ice cream Fridays together.

Networking is another significant aspect of his internship. The New York Unified Court System organizes keynote speeches that interns are encouraged to attend. These events offer opportunities to meet judges from district courts up to appellate divisions as well as attorneys dealing with various areas of law.

Reflecting on his experience so far, Neil feels privileged to gain unfiltered exposure to the inner workings of the justice system. "It’s been rewarding to get unfiltered exposure to the inner workings of our justice system," he states.

Looking ahead, Neil aspires to become an attorney working in a field that fascinates him or aligns with his sense of righteousness. He even envisions himself possibly becoming a district attorney or attorney general one day or pursuing a career in entertainment law.