Lawyer in the making

This summer, some students may have sharpened their fascination with legal dramas by binging “Law and Order” or “The Lincoln Lawyer.” But Kyra Lucas (’24 psychology, criminal justice) witnessed real-life legal dramas up close and personal while interning at the Polk County (Iowa) Attorney’s Office.

Lucas worked as a clerical office assistant in the collections department, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t in the thick of complex court cases.

“What surprised me most about this internship is the complex cases that the office handles daily,” she said. “During my first week I sat through a case involving a teenager accused of molesting [a child], which was emotionally taxing. It was a sobering experience that has given me a newfound respect for the gravity of the legal system.”

Despite her involvement with difficult cases, Lucas values the interactions she had with the attorneys.

“One of the aspects I enjoyed most about this internship was the opportunity to interact with lawyers and observe them in action during trials and case work,” Lucas said. “I also appreciated the flexibility to shadow attorneys and learn about different aspects of the criminal justice system. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the legal process, including the differences between various charges and the procedures involved in criminal cases.”

Exposure to how the court system functions is paramount to Lucas’ future career as a lawyer.

“I believe this experience is crucial for my future career goals because it provides me with early exposure to the legal field, allowing me to gain valuable insight into the profession,” Lucas said.
“It also enables me to build my resume and expand my professional network, which will be beneficial when applying to law school and seeking employment after graduation.”

A major revelation

Prior to enrolling at Iowa State, Lucas knew she wanted to attend law school someday, but she was unsure of the best path to reach that goal. After doing some research, she discovered that law schools don’t require a specific undergraduate major, which opened her eyes to many possibilities.

“This revelation allowed me to choose a field that genuinely interested me while still serving as a solid foundation for my career aspiration,” Lucas said. “Criminal justice seemed like the perfect fit – it aligns with my passion for understanding legal systems and societal issues, and it provides valuable context for my future legal studies.”

Lucas decided to pair criminal justice with a second major in psychology, two fields she says complement each other well.

“While criminal justice gives me a broad understanding of the legal system and its processes, psychology helps me delve into the human mind and behavior. This combination is invaluable when considering the motivations behind criminal activities, the psychology of law enforcement, or even the mental state of victims and witnesses.”

For prospective and current criminal justice majors, Lucas recommends pursuing interdisciplinary studies in areas like psychology, sociology, and political science.

“Don’t be afraid to explore these connections. They’ll enrich your understanding of the criminal justice system,” she said.

Lucas also encourages students to seek experiences outside the classroom that will enrich their understanding of criminal justice.

“Whether it’s internships, volunteering, or joining relevant student organizations, hands-on experience is invaluable,” Lucas said. “It not only looks great on your resume, but it also helps you understand the real-world application of what you’re learning in class.”