Summer Program: Meet Our 2025 Summer Paralegal Intern
July 15, 2025 | Press Release
In addition to hiring summer associates, Belin occasionally offers undergraduate students considering law school the opportunity to work as summer interns, providing them with invaluable real-world exposure to the legal profession. Some of our attorneys had similar pre-law school experiences and found that working in a law firm environment before entering law school helped them make more informed career decisions and better understand the day-to-day realities of legal practice.
These internships offer undergraduate students the chance to observe client interactions, assist with day-to-day matters impacting the firm and our cases, and gain practical insights into various areas of law. We believe this early exposure helps students determine whether the legal profession aligns with their interests and career goals, while also giving them a competitive edge in law school applications and future legal careers.
This year, we are excited to introduce our 2025 Summer Paralegal Intern: Esha Bolar! Esha will start her junior year at Yale University after her summer at Belin where she is working towards a B.A. in History with a Certificate in Education Studies.
Q: What made you want to practice law?
A: In middle school, I had to take a mock trial class as part of Johnston’s requirements for Extended Learning Program students which offered an opportunity to join the competitive team—and I quickly fell in love with the experience. Learning directly from attorneys and judges, developing close friendships, and creating skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability were all formative aspects of that time. I've always known I wanted to help people in a meaningful way, and the law felt like a natural path where my passions and abilities could align to make a real impact.
Q: What legal issues are you passionate about?
A: While I haven’t narrowed my focus to a single area yet, I’m drawn to litigation and have a strong passion for immigration, civil rights, environmental, and education law issues. I’m also hoping to pursue a Judge Advocate contract in the Marine Corps, where I would have the opportunity to work on a broad spectrum of legal issues—from both criminal and civil law to international matters. I’m excited by the range and depth the legal field offers as a whole.
Q: What interests and hobbies do you pursue outside of work?
A: I enjoy running and doing CrossFit, spending time outdoors, and diving into research—both in education policy and through various historical projects. Lately, I’ve even been trying to turn LSAT prep into a hobby (with mixed success!).
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends?
A: Spending quality time with friends and family—whether it’s around a bonfire, cooking together, or browsing the local farmers market—those slower moments mean the most to me.
Q: What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
A: The 1619 Project—it’s a powerful re-examination of American history that continues to shape how I think about law, equity, and education.
Q: What’s the best place you’ve traveled to?
A: I studied abroad in Tokyo last summer, and it was a truly life-changing experience. Immersing myself in the culture while advancing my Japanese language skills gave me a new level of independence and perspective that I carry with me today.
Q: What is the most important thing you have learned so far during your internship at Belin?
A: I've learned just how central research is to the work of an attorney. Many of my tasks have involved in-depth legal research, and I’ve appreciated the opportunity to learn something new each day. It’s helped me understand how lawyers build arguments and anticipate challenges.
Q: What has surprised you the most during your internship at Belin?
A: I’ve been genuinely impressed by how willing the attorneys and staff are to involve me in their work. Whether it’s helping draft something or simply asking questions about a case, I’ve felt welcomed and encouraged to engage. I’ve also been surprised by how deeply connected Belin is within Des Moines, while also being home to such a wide range of talent. The attorneys come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds and continue to impact Iowa through their involvement in the Iowa Bar Association, going on to become Iowa Supreme Court Justices, and bring perspectives from both local and out-of-state practices. It’s been inspiring to be around that level of depth and range.
Q: What is one thing about Belin McCormick, P.C. that everyone should know?
A: Belin strikes a balance: it’s a high-performing legal environment with a genuinely collaborative and welcoming culture. The attorneys and staff are always ready to support one another, and the firm’s commitment to shared activities and team-building really reinforces a sense of community.
Learn more about our Summer Program here.
If you are a law student interested in applying to our summer program for next year, please send resume, cover letter, law school transcript and writing sample to our hiring attorney here.