On The Job: Cristina Sánchez-Hernández BS ’27
Cristina Sánchez-Hernández, BS ’27, a senior criminal justice major with a minor in art history, is spending her summer interning in criminal defense in Puerto Rico.
Senior Cristina Sánchez-Hernández, BS ’27, a criminal justice major and art history minor, is spending this summer interning in criminal defense in Puerto Rico. The skills she developed at Saint Joseph's provided her with a strong foundation for her internship with Attorney at Law Paulette Lartigaut, where she gained firsthand experience observing court proceedings, assisting with case preparation and applying legal concepts from the classroom to real cases.
The Role:
Criminal Defense Legal Intern, Attorney at Law Paulette Lartigaut
Describe your internship in three emojis:
⚖️ (justice)
📚 (books)
💼 (briefcase)
It’s 10 a.m. on a workday, what are you up to?
By 10 a.m., I’m usually reviewing case files, organizing documents or sitting in on client meetings and court-related discussions. Every day gives me a closer look at how criminal defense practice works.
Go-to snack or drink that gets you through the day:
I’d say apple juice. I’m not a coffee person at all, so apple juice is usually my go-to during the day. It’s simple, refreshing and gets me through busy days.
My “I nailed it” moment:
My biggest “I nailed it” moment was recognizing the miscarriage-of-justice issues we discussed in my criminal justice classes, especially how weak evidence, procedural errors or a lack of proper representation can deeply affect a case. Seeing how easily these factors can impact someone’s outcome made everything feel much more real. It showed me just how important fairness and due process are in the legal system, and how valuable my coursework has been in preparing me for this experience.
What I want others to take away from my experience is that criminal justice is so much more than what you read in a textbook. Behind every case is a real person, a real story and real consequences. This experience showed me how important it is to lead with empathy, stay curious and never stop learning. If you are passionate about making a difference, every class, every question and every opportunity to learn can bring you one step closer to creating a real impact in people’s lives.
Cristina Sánchez-Hernández BS ’27
Favorite part of your role:
My favorite part of my role is meeting clients and hearing their stories. It has shown me how important it is to listen, understand different perspectives and advocate for people during difficult moments in their lives.
Fit check:
I usually go for something professional but still comfortable, like business casual with slacks and comfortable shoes, since the days can be long. A blazer is a must because courtrooms get really cold.
Tips for the next intern:
Ask questions and do not be afraid to speak up. Asking questions helped me learn so much during my internship. Also, pay attention in class because everything I’ve learned as a criminal justice student has helped me better understand what I’m seeing during my internship. You’ll realize that what you learn in the classroom really does apply in real life.
Fun/interesting people you’ve met?
As a Puerto Rican and criminal justice student, my internship in Puerto Rico has been especially meaningful because I get to learn while giving back to my community. It has given me a deeper understanding of our legal system and the importance of advocating for people here. Plus, I get to speak Spanish every day, which makes connecting with clients and being part of this experience feel even more personal and rewarding.