Ellen Bart ’26 is from Minneapolis, Minnesota. She received her undergraduate degree in economics and political science from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before law school, she worked in Washington, D.C., in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. This summer, she worked as an intern in Washington, D.C., for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the Office of Chair Charlotte Burrows and was excited to be back in D.C.
How did you find this summer opportunity?
This summer, I knew I wanted to intern at another federal agency working to safeguard civil rights and was particularly interested in employment discrimination. I found this opportunity on the EEOC website and applied.
How does your experience connect with what you currently envision doing with your law degree?
After working for the Civil Rights Division, I came to law school committed to a career in public interest law. My experience with the EEOC has solidified my interest in working for a civil rights agency and has made me interested in leveraging my legal education to craft and shape public policy.
Please describe a “typical” workday at your job.
As a legal intern, my role is to support the chair and her staff on the variety of matters they address every day. There is no “typical” day in the office, but as an example, I recently attended a meeting with an interest group, drafted an amicus recommendation, and briefed the Chair on a commissioner charge recommendation.
What is something you learned or experienced that was surprising or particularly compelling during this summer position?
It was interesting being at a federal agency the summer before an election because I learned how much of the agency’s work is tied to electoral politics. While the EEOC is unique in that it is a bipartisan commission, administrations can set different priorities, so there is an understanding that a potential transition of power could have great impacts on the Commission’s work, funding, and influence.
What are some key takeaways from the experience so far?
It has been so motivating to work in an environment surrounded by people who are excited and passionate about what they do. At the EEOC I had the privilege to work with people who have dedicated their careers to the fight against discrimination in the workplace.
This summer I also enjoyed working with attorneys across the many EEOC components. I connected with trial attorneys, attorneys in the Office of Legal Counsel, and staff from the Office of Communication and Legislative Affairs, each of which plays a critical role in ensuring the agency is working towards its mission of advancing equal opportunity.
How has your summer experience compared with your expectations?
I did not really know what to expect going into my internship and was surprised by how much of the office’s work is policy related. It has been interesting to learn more about the nuances and strategy behind the Commission’s work, recognizing that every litigation and amicus decision is both a policy and legal decision because it acts as a signal of the agency’s priorities.
What advice would you offer another law student thinking about working in a similar position next summer?
I would tell other students to not put too much pressure on a summer internship and know that it is okay if you still don’t know what you want to do. Even if you don’t end up liking an experience, that is a useful piece of information. Also, summer positions are a great opportunity to try living somewhere else and broaden your network. So, if you have every wanted to live in D.C. or work for the government, now is the time to try it out!
How are you spending your free time this summer?
It was nice being back in D.C. this summer and getting to reunite with friends. I made sure to go back and visit all my favorite restaurants and take advantage of the free museums!
What are you most looking forward to in returning to Minnesota Law this fall?
I am most looking forward to being back with my friends and family. I am also excited to have more control over my classes and that I will be taking classes that are aligned with my career interests.