PIMA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
HANNAH BABA
The David A. Paige Foundation awarded Hannah Baba (’25) its second full-time summer externship with a Pima County Superior Court Judge on the Civil Bench. Hannah has demonstrated academic excellence during her undergraduate (Bachelor of Arts, Law) and her first year of law school at the University of Arizona. The Foundation appreciated her “deep-rooted connection with Tucson” and her desire to become a mentor within her law school peer group and surrounding community. The DAPF also recognized Hannah’s “personal interest in advocacy within civil litigation and how this externship opportunity would allow me to help members of my community that are underrepresented.” The Superior Court judge that supervised Hannah’s summer externship appreciated her motivation and eagerness to learn as much as she could during the externship.
“Working with Judge McGinley was an eye-opening, amazing experience that taught me a lot about the legal world and informed me on what direction I want to go in my legal career. Judge McGinley himself was great to work with, knowledgeable, and incredibly thoughtful during court proceedings. Judge McGinley’s JAA, Lucas Kimes, and his law clerk, Theophilus Abolarin, were also very knowledgeable and helpful people. Judge McGinley and his team made me feel welcome while also teaching me practical lessons in the legal field.
“I was able to participate in our local legal system by drafting rulings, writing memos, and advising the Judge on specific legal questions asked of me. I was able to observe numerous proceedings including motions, orders of protection, sentencing, and jury trials. The jury trials I observed, whether it be civil or criminal trials, taught me how lawyers prepare for litigation and how they can maintain a connection with the jury through oral arguments. I was able to absorb so much information in such a short period of time and the work that Judge McGinley gave me helped give me the confidence that I can produce work that I am knowledgeable about. I enjoyed having that opportunity to research and write on a variety of different issues spanning from contractual torts, deed restrictions, and corporate operating agreements.
“Aside from court proceedings and trials, I learned about the inner workings of a courthouse. There are so many people who help court proceedings stay efficient in addition to judges including JAAs, clerks, court reporters, tech support, security, and other administrative personnel. All such persons are important to the legal system, which is something I did not realize before participating in this externship. I have a newfound respect for the Pima County Superior Court and other courts like it as many important issues are being dealt with in such buildings.
“Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Pima County Superior Court. It was an honor to work alongside Judge McGinley and his team. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to show what I can bring to the legal field and I am excited to keep pursuing opportunities within the civil side of law. This externship was truly invaluable in helping me learn more about the legal system and how I can participate in it.”
The David A. Paige Foundation has committed to funding a full-time judicial clerkship with a Pima County Superior Court Judge on the Civil Bench in the summer of 2024.
Vedat Teke
In 2022, The David A Paige Foundation awarded Vedat Teke (’23) its inaugural full-time summer externship with a Pima County Superior Court judge on the Civil Bench. As branch director and public representative at the Sema Foundation, Vedat sharpened his research and writing skills. Vedat was committed to improving these skills and had a genuine desire to learn about the law from a judge’s perspective. The Foundation also appreciated Vedat’s volunteer efforts with the Anatolia Turkish-American Cultural Center and his involvement in the University of Arizona College of Law’s different student groups. Vedat also earned his Bachelor of Law from the University of Ankara College of Law in Ankara, Turkey.
“During the externship with Judge Gordon, all my expectations were perfectly met. First and foremost, I benefited substantially from Judge Gordon’s assignments, feedback, and explanation of difficult topics. Most importantly, Judge Gordon’s teaching experience and education methods helped me to absorb complicated matters easily. During the externship, I observed so many different trials and court proceeding such as civil and criminal jury trials, bench trials and oral arguments.
“I also acquired legal, social, and administrative skills. Firstly, I learned many different legal concepts such as the legal process of a case, jury deliberations, civil law subjects and trial motions. Also, I learned how to communicate with other people in a legal setting like lawyers, law clerks, judicial assistants, and reporters. Furthermore, I learned how to work with people from different backgrounds and professions in a court setting while observing how Judge Gordon dealt with the plaintiffs and defendants in his courtroom.
“Overall, it was a real privilege for me to work with Judge Gordon as a David A. Paige Foundation scholar. The experience and skills that I acquired through the externship will definitely help me in my legal education and future career. I believe that this program is a great opportunity for law students to have legal experience and get ready for the practice of law.”
The David A. Paige Foundation has committed to funding a full-time judicial clerkship with a Pima County Superior Court Judge on the Civil Bench in the summer of 2023.