Political Science Major Prepares for Law School with Mentorship-Focused Internship

Alabama A&M University senior Cynthia Bradley is spending her final undergraduate semester immersed in coursework while gaining hands-on legal experience through a selective internship at the Spencer Wright Law Firm in Huntsville, Alabama. Designed specifically for local college students preparing for law school, the internship offers direct exposure to criminal defense and family law in a professional legal setting.

Bradley, a political science major from Linden, Alabama, began her internship in January at the Meridian Street firm located just minutes from Alabama A&M’s campus. The experience provides practical insight into the day-to-day operations of a working law firm, including courtroom procedures and case preparation.

“I learned about this internship through Marcya Burden, an adjunct professor of business law at Alabama A&M,” said Bradley. “I applied by sending my résumé to her because she was connected with Attorney Wright, and after my interview, I was notified of my acceptance on Nov. 12, 2025.”

Attorney Nesha Q.S. Wright, founder of the Spencer Wright Law Firm, said she created the internship specifically for Huntsville-area college students pursuing law school, drawing candidates from pre-law programs at local universities. Launched to provide early, meaningful exposure to the legal profession and to address gaps she experienced as an undergraduate, the program does not have an open application process. Instead, Wright personally interviews and selects interns through referrals from faculty and pre-law advisors.

“I started the internship at my law firm to create opportunities for students that I did not have as an undergraduate,” said Wright.

Since starting Jan. 5, Bradley has assisted with managing electronic and physical case files, drafting case briefings, conducting legal research and gaining familiarity with courtroom procedures. She describes her internship as both demanding and rewarding.

“The toughest part of my internship was learning how to adapt to a new environment and process information so quickly,” Bradley said. “Working at a law firm is very fast-paced, so it’s easy to forget or not fully understand information.”

Despite the challenges, Bradley said the experience has strengthened her confidence and affirmed her career goals.

“This internship has allowed me to fully experience what it is like to work as a criminal defense and family law attorney,” she said. “Moreover, it has clarified my interest in pursuing a career in law.”

Bradley also credits the firm’s supportive office culture for helping her succeed.

“The absolute best part of my internship is the office,” she said. “Attorney Wright and her paralegal, Roslynne Bush, are wonderful to work with. They are patient with me and are always willing to help me improve my performance.”

Wright’s firm has operated in Huntsville since November 2011 and has hosted interns for more than a decade.

“Over the past 14 years, this internship has provided hands-on mentorship for pre-law students who are serious about pursuing a legal career,” said Wright. “Students attend court, client consultations, assist with trials, and learn firsthand how to manage a law firm and client expectations.”

At Alabama A&M, Bradley is actively involved on campus as a member of the Gamma Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., University Echoes Student Ambassadors, the Pre-Law Society and the Honors Program. She also comes from an AAMU legacy family; her father graduated from the University in 1991.

“I chose AAMU because of its rich history and family-oriented culture,” Bradley said. “A&M allowed me to form a home away from home and create a village that I will forever be thankful for.”

Bradley is set to graduate this May and plans to take a gap year before applying to law school during the fall 2027 admissions cycle. She said the internship has played a key role in shaping her professional goals.

“This experience has allowed me to grow my understanding of legal processes and solidified that this is the path I want to pursue.”