Meet Government Accountability Project’s Summer Interns – Part 2
Every summer, Government Accountability Project hosts interns in departments across the organization. This summer, we are featuring our interns on our blog to learn more about their work and what drives their interest in whistleblowers, legislation, and investigations. Read more about our interns in Part 1 and look out for Part 3!
Devyn Van Boven – Legislative Intern
Currently based in New York, Devyn is a rising Senior at NYU studying Psychology and Anthropology. While joining Government Accountability Project, Devyn expressed the importance of holding the government accountable and expanded her interest in transparency and accountability. Whistleblowing was a cause they could get behind.
As part of their responsibilities, Devyn reviewed briefings and edited letters for law enforcement accountability. “I learned a lot more about how the law works.” With an interest in law enforcement accountability, the projects Devyn worked on surrounded that issue with write-ups and reviews.
Devyn is still exploring career opportunities; one profession being considered is a civil rights attorney, working toward the advancement of rights for transgender individuals and people of color. In their free time, Devyn enjoys hanging out with friends, decorating, and being outside.
Jordan Waller – International Legal Intern
From Chicago, Illinois, Jordan is a rising 2L at NYU School of Law. When joining Government Accountability Project for her internship, Jordan appreciated the intersection of litigation and advocacy at the organization. She has learned a lot about global administrative law while working with Samantha Feinstein, Director of International Development. Jordan has also been developing legal research skills by familiarizing herself with the landscape of comparative whistleblower law.
“Staff have been incredibly welcoming and have made me feel valued even though I am working virtually. They really want you to pursue what you are interested in,” says Jordan., “It’s been a positive experience, and I’ve gotten to contribute to meaningful work, not busy work.”
Outside of her internship, Jordan enjoys running, cooking, hiking, and playing board games with friends.
Anusha Merchant – Legal Immigration Intern
Anusha is a rising junior at Barnard College in New York City, studying Political Science and Ethnicity and Race Studies. As a Yale Liman Law Undergraduate Fellow, she is currently interested in exploring the world of public interest law and has committed her summer to serving as a Legal Intern at Government Accountability Project.
Recently, she has had the opportunity to conduct legal writing and research for a cross-department issue brief, has drafted legal service proposals, assisted with client intakes, and supported the management of the organization’s advocacy efforts.
Given Anusha is interested in public interest law, she is thrilled to be directly engaging in legal services work while also learning more about the impact of legal efforts in humanizing clients and their stories, particularly in the case of whistleblowers following their disclosures. She is excited by the opportunity to add to her experience and growing knowledge related to Big Tech, First Amendment issues, national security, and surveillance.
“Here, supervisors do not see you as an intern, but rather as an equal partner in their work. Interning at Government Accountability Project provides you with a real-world experience where you can explore areas of work, such as communications, advocacy, education, and legal services, all while making a difference and working alongside people who openly value your work and growth.”
Outside of school and her internship, Anusha loves to take advantage of what New York City has to offer and often explores different neighborhoods, coffee shops, and restaurants. She also enjoys going on runs in Central Park.
Sam Buckmelter – Litigation Intern
Government Accountability Project’s litigation intern, Sam Buckmelter is from Denver, Colorado, and is currently attending Boston University for law school. In his position, he is conducting legal research for a case, reviewing case law, and writing case memos.
“Interning at Government Accountability Project provides interesting work. It’s something I didn’t know much about but provides a great opportunity to learn about an important body of law. I hope to get a better grasp of how an organization functions and what the life of an attorney is like. My goal is to be the best attorney I can be, so there is great insight to learning from an amazing attorney like Jack Kolar,” Sam explained. “It’s hard to find a better opportunity for a 1L. It’s an amazing opportunity to work with a group like Government Accountability Project in whistleblower law.”
Aside from being an intern, Sam enjoys riding his bike, attending concerts, visiting friends, and generally enjoying the summer.