by Ashton Evans

This summer, a cross-country journey to the Land of Enchantment became an invaluable opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of the judicial system and meet the inspiring people who contribute to it. With the start of my senior year approaching, I felt motivated to pursue a legal internship this summer to explore my increasing interest in law and ethics, particularly their intersection with my studies in international politics and Japanese. This opportunity was born from a connection my friend from Washington and Lee University had made with an alumnus from our School of Law during her time in New Mexico last year.  It was truly fate that I met Elizabeth (Liz) Garcia, who graciously allowed me to fly out to Santa Fe and spend three weeks interning at the New Mexico Supreme Court.  I quickly realized that to know her is to be constantly inspired by her and the work she does for her community as the Chief Court of Clerk. She truly exemplifies Washington and Lee University values: not only as a supportive alumni and mentor, but also as someone who possesses integrity, preparedness, and overflowing kindness and selflessness for those she works with, and for the state of New Mexico. I truly believe Washington and Lee possesses a special close-knit community, extending to supportive alumni such as Liz, to generous donors who allow students like me to receive funding for experiences that are transformative for the lives and careers of its students. I am extremely honored to have received the Johnson Summer Opportunity Grant that made it possible for me to have this educational journey, learn more about the importance of public service, and the chance to enjoy the beauty of New Mexico and its culture. 

Throughout my three weeks in New Mexico, I have been humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to meet and learn from so many incredibly talented and intelligent legal professionals. No more so than on the first day of my internship where I was privileged to be in a room full of such people at the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks (NCACC). I was instantly impressed by the commitment the attendees had to working towards improving the state appellate courts through collaboration despite their heavy workload. Each of the inspiring panelists I had the privilege to watch made an impression on me. After a panelist discussion on access to justice, I found myself looking for ways governmental entities could improve its access to justice during my internship. During another NCACC panel, I gained insight into the interaction of federal, state, and tribal courts and building relationships between various courts, which was incredibly interesting to me as a West Virginian, a state absent of Native American tribes. As a member of Gen Z, I found Professor Rubenstein’s AI talk to be especially intriguing. Much of what he mentioned, particularly the effects AI has on work quality among my generation, I have witnessed. I am incredibly lucky to have arrived in time to attend this national conference that provided such an enriching experience, as I learned so much from our nation’s Court Clerks. 

I am very grateful for the welcome I received by the entire New Mexico Supreme Court team, including Liz, Alyssa Segura, Lysette Romero Cordova, Kristen Edwards, Ann Keith, and Jonah Griego at the conference. I was impressed by Liz and the entire team’s ability to pull off such an impressive educational conference while also providing an insight into New Mexican culture. Tuesday evening was a testament to this dedication, as dinner was held at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, where I had the privilege to witness Native American culture and tradition. We entered the building listening to the melodic flute playing of Andrew Thomas, and during dinner, the incredible Sky City Buffalo Ram Dance group shared with us traditional Pueblo Native American dancing. 

The next two weeks I spent exploring the vibrant art scene and culture of Santa Fe, trying New Mexican cuisine, and working at the New Mexico Supreme Court. New Mexico has the only official state question:  red or green? a reference to New Mexico chile. It was an honor to meet so many of the hard-working employees of the court, and to work with both Alyssa with Rules and Francesca in HR. I gained insight into the technical yet important aspects of the court from learning about filing and organization in HR, to the way precise language shapes rules. Through this work, I gained important insight into the type of jobs I enjoy, and realized I like the technical and methodical nature of appellate rules. Francesca and Alyssa were incredibly gracious with their time, allowing me to ask questions freely and never hesitated to take the opportunity to educate me. Lunch time was one of my favorite times during my internship, not solely because I was hungry, but because I had the privilege of taking up some of Liz’s lunch hours to spend together.  During this break, she took the time out of her busy schedule to talk about life, careers and values.  She told me that my education and values instilled in me at Washington and Lee would serve me well in life.  During our lunches, she reminded me the importance of civility, treating others with respect, the importance of humility, being present, working hard and enjoying life.  I did my best to soak up as much of her wisdom as possible, and I am incredibly grateful to her for those moments. It was refreshing to see someone who works in law continue to be enthusiastic and dedicated to their work. 

New Mexico provided a needed opportunity to reflect on my life and my career journey. I was inspired by the incredible people I worked with as well as the creative individuals who inhabit Santa Fe. I am very lucky to have had this enriching experience and gained valuable experience in the court system and legal system. Through my work, I have come to learn the value of public service and the importance of giving back to your community in whatever way one can. I gained a deeper appreciation for New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and a longing to one day return to its sun-soaked landscapes. I left New Mexico inspired by the people I met and the work they do, and I am more committed than ever to pursuing a legal career rooted in public service. As I begin my senior year, I am eager to carry forward the lessons I learned in Santa Fe: to approach life with integrity, seek ways to expand access justice, and to give back to my community in every way I can.