On July 30, The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) graduated another group of talented law students from the Legal Studies Institute (LSI).  LSI students participate in hands-on legal internships, receive housing and are assigned a mentor through the successful attorney mentor program. Washington area lawyers serve as mentors, providing students with career advice and tips on living and working in the D.C. area. Many students form strong connections with their mentors, several of whom were present at the ceremony.

The 39 graduates of the LSI class of 2012 came to TFAS not only from the U.S. but other countries, including Jordan, South Korea and Canada. One of these students, Dominika Malisz (LSI 12), had the opportunity to share details of her LSI experience with guests at the commencement ceremony. As an intern in the Law Office of Don Rosendorf, Malisz experienced what it is like to work in the legal systems of Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. She also recounted her experience of what it was like to live on Capitol Hill.

Throughout the summer, Malisz and her classmates heard from prominent speakers such as Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Judge Douglas Ginsburg of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and Professor Randy Barnett, architect of the legal challenge to Obamacare.

The keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony was The Honorable Diane S. Sykes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Judge Sykes presented a series of fascinating cases that demonstrated how the pressing legal issues of today are connected to the legal issues of the past, illustrating how intertwined history and the law truly are.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from TFAS Chairman Randal C. Teague, after which there was a reception where students were able to meet Judge Sykes and share stories of their summer in the nation’s capital.  We are proud to welcome our 2012 LSI graduates to the TFAS alumni family!