At Franklin & Marshall, we want you to gain hands-on experience and convert theory into practice — not just read about it in a textbook. For William Gerber ’26, this meant interning for the President Judge of the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, an experience that reinforced his decision to pursue a future in law.

“It’s one thing to learn about judicial reasoning in the classroom, but another entirely to see it applied in real time and in real cases,” he said. “This practical experience I’ve gained – by analyzing case patterns, drafting legal documents and understanding court operations – has proven to be crucial in aiding my decision to apply to law school.”

William Gerber ’26

Majors: Government and psychology

Minor: Philosophy

Summer Experience: Intern with the President Judge of the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas in Lancaster, Pa.

Funding Support: General Summer Experience Funds

Tell us about your summer experience. What is a typical day like?

This summer, I have the privilege of interning for the President Judge of the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. I typically begin my day by checking the court calendar and planning around proceedings that interest me. While observing and sitting in on various criminal and civil trials and proceedings, I have the unique opportunity to hear firsthand the judges’ reflections on their rulings and legal reasoning. Outside the courtroom, I work on two main projects: clearing a current warrant backlog in the county, which includes drafting dismissal orders and researching trends in the warrant issuances; and reviewing cases in the Credit Card Diversion Program to examine patterns amid a recent spike in cases. My daily interactions with judges and court staff have given me an invaluable view into the workings of the judicial system.  

How has your F&M journey prepared you for this experience? 

My F&M journey has been a critical component in preparing me for this internship. Through the Department of Government’s rigorous curriculum, alongside my legal studies program, and research experience with professors, I’ve been equipped with the skills necessary for the legal field. But regardless of major, F&M plays a special role in pushing students outside their comfort zone. With F&M’s support, I’ve had the opportunity to do research and study abroad in both Denmark and France. This has played a significant role in advancing my ability to approach issues from multiple perspectives and has proven valuable in the court environment, where every case comes with a great deal of nuance.

What has been the most fascinating aspect of your experience so far?

The most fascinating aspect of my experience so far has to be the insights I've gotten from the judges themselves, behind the scenes. Whether it be after they give their rulings, or in the middle of a settlement conference where the judge is facilitating negotiations between opposing counsels and is privy to information that each side is not aware of, getting to hear their thoughts and reasoning before and after proceedings has deepened my understanding of how legal decisions are made. It’s one thing to learn about judicial reasoning in the classroom, but another entirely to see it applied in real time and in real cases.  

How has this experience helped you along your chosen career path?

This internship has definitely solidified my interest in pursuing a career in law. In particular, I’ve come closer to grasping the fragility of judicial institutions and the significance of preserving them as an independent branch of government amidst an onslaught of attacks. Having the opportunity to learn directly from the President Judge, who serves as the executive and administrative head of the court, has given me a rare viewpoint into the valuable role of the judiciary. Working on complex legal projects, observing trials and engaging directly with judges have given me a clear sense of what life in the legal field can entail. This practical experience I’ve gained – by analyzing case patterns, drafting legal documents and understanding court operations – has proven to be crucial in aiding my decision to apply to law school.

Looking back on your college search, why did you choose F&M?

F&M stood out to me as a close-knit community that valued intellectual curiosity, experiential experiences, and close faculty relationships. From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt that F&M was a place meant for me. I knew that F&M would challenge me, but I also knew that the community was dedicated and capable of supporting my growth. F&M’s commitment to experiential learning through internships like this has allowed me to explore my interests and prepare for my future in ways I never imagined.

“F&M’s commitment to experiential learning through internships like this has allowed me to explore my interests and prepare for my future in ways I never imagined.”

— William Gerber ’26