Talya Naggar (SCW '27) reflects on her judicial internship with Judge Freier at the New York Supreme Court.
What were the main tasks you undertook during your internship or fellowship?
When serving as a judicial intern in the chambers of the Hon. Judge Freier at the New York Supreme Court, I assisted with guardianship matters involving incapacitated persons with intellectual, developmental, and traumatic disabilities. My work was highly hands-on and gave me the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the judicial process.
On a typical day, I reviewed several guardianship petitions and annual reports, evaluating whether they complied with statutory requirements and whether the individual under guardianship was receiving appropriate care and services. I prepared written analyses, findings, and recommendations based on my review and presented my conclusions for each case to Judge Freier. I also had the opportunity to listen to conversations with attorneys, guardians, and service providers, which gave me insight into the different perspectives and considerations that inform judicial decision-making.
I was able to observe Zoom conferences and proceedings, allowing me to see the judging and confirmation process in real time. While I typically drafted my own analyses and recommendations, I also benefited from the guidance of others in the office when needed. This combination of independent work and close exposure to the judge's chambers made the internship particularly valuable.
What were your research areas or key work objectives?
My primary focus was understanding the guardianship process and determining whether guardians and service providers were meeting their legal and professional responsibilities to the individuals in their care. Before beginning this internship, I was largely unfamiliar with guardianship law and had little understanding of when guardianships are necessary or how they function in practice.
Throughout my time there, I learned about the standards governing guardianships, the benefits and services available to individuals under guardianship, and the standards of care expected of those responsible for their well-being. I became particularly interested in the balance between providing necessary support and respecting the dignity and individual needs of vulnerable people.
One of the most meaningful lessons was recognizing how vulnerable the individuals involved in these cases can be and, consequently, how much care and consideration is required when evaluating their circumstances. Even seemingly minor details in a report could provide important information about someone's safety, well-being, or access to services. The work therefore required me to approach each case thoughtfully and carefully.
Which skills did you improve or develop during this experience?
The internship significantly strengthened my attention to detail, research abilities, and capacity to synthesize large amounts of information. Guardianship reports often contained substantial amounts of information, and I had to learn how to identify what was most relevant to the legal and practical questions presented.
I learned how to identify inconsistencies or discrepancies that might otherwise be overlooked. A report might appear straightforward at first, but a closer reading could reveal missing information, conflicting statements, or details that warranted further investigation. Learning where to look and what questions to ask required both extensive research and careful attention to detail. Entrusting another person with the management of an individual's personal affairs and finances is an enormous responsibility, particularly because it can leave an already vulnerable individual susceptible to exploitation. For this reason, it was important that each repost was approached attentively.
I also developed a better understanding of judicial decision-making. Presenting my findings and recommendations gave me an opportunity to think beyond simply identifying facts and instead consider how those facts should inform a judicial response. The experience taught me to approach legal questions analytically while remaining conscious of the real people and circumstances behind every case.
Describe one or two significant discoveries or accomplishments. Were there tasks that surprised or particularly challenged you?
I discovered how much research and careful analysis can be required to fully understand an individual's circumstances. When I first began the internship, I often struggled to determine where to find the relevant information and which aspects of a case required further investigation. Over time, I learned how to research the necessary personal, financial, and care-related information and determine which details were most important to evaluating a guardianship.
I learned how to piece together information from different reports and documents to gain a complete picture of an individual's situation. A report might provide information about a person's finances, living arrangements, services, or well-being, but understanding the full context often required additional research and careful comparison of the available records. I learned to look beyond the surface of a report, identify missing or inconsistent information, and determine what additional information was necessary to make an informed assessment.
Perhaps my most meaningful accomplishment was the progress I made from initially being unfamiliar with guardianship law and the process to being able to independently review cases, identify the information I needed, conduct the appropriate research, and present my findings and recommendations. Learning how to navigate these cases and determine what information was truly relevant was both challenging and rewarding.
Why do you believe this work is important, and why should other Straus Scholars consider pursuing similar research or internships?
The work I participated in is important because guardianship proceedings involve some of the most vulnerable members of our community. The decisions made in these cases can directly affect an individual's safety, independence, access to services, and quality of life. Ensuring that each case receives careful and thoughtful consideration is therefore essential.
What struck me most throughout my internship was the dedication of everyone involved in the process. I was in awe of the commitment I saw throughout the court system, from the court reporter to the people working behind the scenes and, especially, the team in Judge Freier's chambers. Despite the number of cases and the existence of a significant backlog, there was a genuine effort to give each matter the attention it deserved. I saw firsthand that justice is product of the extensive work, research, preparation, and care that happens behind the scenes.
I would encourage other Straus Scholars to pursue similar internships because of the perspective they provide. There is an enormous difference between studying public institutions and actually becoming part of their work. This internship allowed me to see how decisions are made, to contribute to that process in a meaningful way, and to learn directly from a judge about the considerations that guide her work.
The experience also reinforced my own commitment to public service. I plan to attend law school and hope to pursue a career as a prosecutor before eventually seeking elected office. This internship gave me a clearer understanding of the responsibility that comes with a career in public service and strengthened my desire to pursue that path. Most importantly, it showed me the impact that careful, dedicated public servants can have when they approach their work with both professionalism and a genuine commitment to the people they serve.
