www.loubar.org 18 Louisville Bar Briefs Celebrating 125 Years of the LBA’s Commitment to the Future of our Profession The Louisville Bar Association is excited to launch its 2025 Sum- mer Internship Program, continuing our 20+ year partnership with Central High School’s Law and Government magnet program. This program offers invaluable opportunities for talented students to gain real-world experience in local law firms, community organizations and the public sector. Why Hire or Sponsor an Intern? • Boost Productivity: Free up support staff for other critical projects. • Invest in Future Talent: Develop and mentor the next generation of legal professionals. • Provide Real-World Experience: Give aspiring attorneys hands-on exposure to the legal field. • Demonstrate Commitment to Diversity: Contribute to a more inclusive legal community. The Summer Internship Program connects you with motivated and diverse Central High School students. These students possess strong academic records, leadership skills and excellent communication abilities. Program Highlights • Students receive pre-internship training on resume building, interview techniques and professional decorum. • The 8-week program runs from early June to early August. • We request a minimum hourly wage of $10. • Sponsorship opportunities are available for students placed in vital community and public sector offices like the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office and DPA Louisville Trial Office. As part of our 125th anniversary celebration, we aim to place 10 Central High School interns in 2025. The support of the legal community is crucial to achieving this goal. How to Participate • To hire or sponsor an intern, please contact Marisa Motley at [email protected]. • For questions about the program, you can also contact Sarah McKenna at [email protected] or Diane Laughlin at [email protected]. Your participation will directly impact the lives of aspiring lawyers and strengthen our legal community. Thank you for your commitment to investing in the future of law. Before you began working with the Law and Government program at Central High School, what was your previous area of legal practice? I was a reproductive justice attorney, working on both the state and federal policy issues that impacted access to abortion, birth control, sex ed and maternal health. Since joining the program, what key goals have you established for its development and success? Since this was my first year, I wanted to spend time just getting familiar with being a teacher and dealing with my career change. I’ve spent the first year really getting to know my students and learning how Central has changed since I graduated. One of the things I was able to do this year was secure a custom blazer for all my students, and I’m really proud of that. I hope next year to implement some new initiatives that allow my students to network with more folks across various legal backgrounds and careers and provide them opportunities to put what they learn into practice. What makes teaching students at Central High School particularly unique or rewarding? For me, it’s all about witnessing my students growth both inside and outside the classroom. My students are amazing and bring me so much joy, and the occasional headache — but it’s all worth it when they come to class ready to give their debate or present their opening arguments. What advice do you give your students who are interested in the law? I would tell them to stay the course! No matter how far away it may seem, every day spent in high school is preparing you for the future. And that although there may be times that you are open to new methods and ways of reaching a particular goal, never give up on the goal! All your hard work will be worth it in the end. How would you describe the impact of the Summer Intern Program on the students who participate? I actually secured my first job through the summer internship program at the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. At the time I was very passion- ate about becoming a prosecutor, and being able to work at the Commonwealth that summer really inspired me. I met so many amazing people who I still keep in touch with today and made me feel a real sense of belonging in the legal community. Do you mind sharing a fun fact about yourself or a favorite quote? I have the cutest yorkie in the world! His name is Onyx and he’s the best dog a girl could ask for. I also competed in the Ms. Black Kentucky Pageant in 2022 and was the runner up and won best talent and the community service award. Favorite song, TV show, podcast or book. I love sci-fi fantasy books, especially when it’s a series. What is your go to spot in Louisville and why? I love Louvino brunch! They have an amazing atmosphere and I’m addicted to their loaded baked potato tots! Mashayla, a former student of the Central High School Law and Government Program, has succeeded Joe Gutmann as Law and Government Magnet Director, who retired after more than 20 years of dedicated service. MEET MASHAYLA HAYS 2009
