NYC Gazette

This past summer, the Impact Office at the Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought awarded a grant to two Yeshiva University students, Justin Eichel and Atarah Mandel. These students served as interns for prominent judges in New York, gaining firsthand experience in the American judicial system. Their internships exemplify the hands-on legal education supported by the Straus Center, reinforcing their understanding of U.S. democratic institutions while cultivating key skills.

Justin Eichel interned for Justice David B. Cohen, where he was immersed in legal proceedings and tasked with drafting sections of judicial decisions. His work involved meticulous analysis of contracts, transcripts, and legal stipulations to support judicial decision-making. Reflecting on his experience, Justin noted, “I spent nearly three weeks going through court documents related to a high-profile big pharma case with a lot of complex judicial history. Drafting a facts section for the court’s decision was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences.” Through this process, Justin honed his skills in legal analysis and writing while observing how decisions are made in real time.

Atarah Mandel interned for Judge Rachel E. Freier, gaining insights into the guardianship system—a particularly sensitive and complex area of law. Her responsibilities included tracking case developments, following up with attorneys, and ensuring that timelines were adhered to. Atarah described her work as crucial for maintaining the court’s efficiency: “The judge would often describe the approximately 2,000 cases as cars on a cluttered highway. There were cases that required emergency attention, cases that had not moved for too long, and most of all, the pathway needed to be cleared so that new cases could make their way through.” In her work as an intern, she learned how crucial it is to keep the judicial system moving smoothly. She also highlighted mentorship from Judge Freier on balancing Orthodox Jewish values with secular legal demands.

Both students found their internships profoundly instructive. For Justin, spending time in the courtroom emphasized careful jury selection's importance; he discovered how a jury’s makeup can influence trial outcomes. For Atarah, handling guardianship cases underscored law's human dimension where empathy intersects with professionalism.

These experiences align with the Straus Center’s commitment to fostering leaders well-versed in Western intellectual tradition and deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. For Justin and Atarah, their internships combined academic learning with practical experience preparing them for future leadership in law and public service. As Justin reflected: “Exposure to the court and its inner workings reaffirmed my appreciation for our justice system. The pursuit of truth righteousness change all converge in halls our courts.”

By engaging with complex legal questions observing democratic institutions function ground level these students advancing careers becoming informed advocates justice integrity within legal profession Atarah summed up: “The Straus Center produces scholars who are genuine identity committed intellectualism professionalism—traits crucial success law.”

As Straus Center continues supporting such opportunities students like Justin Atarah gaining invaluable experience complementing classroom education positioning meaningful contributions both Jewish community American society.