Summer internship at the Supreme Court? Go for it, advises second-year student Lenka

A unique insight into how the justice system works, along with the opportunity to experience first-hand the creativity of legal professionals. According to UWB FPR student Lenka Blažková, the summer professional internship at the very top of the Czech judicial system is definitely worth it.

Spending the summer by the water is nice, but time away from university lecture halls can also be put to more interesting use. That is what Lenka Blažková, a second-year student at the Faculty of Law of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, believes. This July, she therefore spent her time at the Supreme Court of the Czech Republic in Brno. The internship was offered to students as part of a seminar taught by Miroslav Hromada, a lecturer in the Department of Labor and Civil Law and a Supreme Court judge. Lenka did not hesitate to seize the opportunity. She shared her impressions and experience in an interview with INFO.zcu.

What did your internship at the Supreme Court of the Czech Republic bring you?
I gained a unique insight into how the court operates and into the judges’ day-to-day work. Above all, however, I was reminded that law is not just about knowledge from textbooks, but primarily about the ability to think independently, make arguments, and find the right legal solutions. I found it particularly valuable to see how legal arguments and theoretical knowledge translate into actual judicial practice. This direct contact with real cases was one of the most valuable aspects of the internship for me.

What does such an internship actually involve? What did you do there?
During the internship, I studied court files, participated in regular meetings with Judge Miroslav Hromada and his assistants, and had the opportunity to discuss current legal issues and specific cases being heard by the panel. The internship also gave me the opportunity to observe court proceedings at the Regional Court in Brno.

And how did you like Brno? Is it very different from Pilsen?
The local šaliny (trams) convinced me that the word “fast” has a slightly different meaning in Brno compared to our trams. Brno is definitely a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, beautiful landmarks, and a pleasant atmosphere.

If you had to evaluate your summer internship briefly, what would you say? Would you recommend it to other students?
Absolutely. I can wholeheartedly recommend the Supreme Court in Brno to all students of the Faculty of Law at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. An internship there is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in legal practice, gain insight into how the court operates, and discover a new city.

The Faculty of Law at the University of West Bohemia offers its students the opportunity to undertake a variety of professional internships, not only during the summer holidays but also throughout the academic year. Thanks to lecturers who are often practicing lawyers, judges, prosecutors, or bailiffs themselves, students can gain first-hand experience of day-to-day work in a range of legal professions. Combining academic education with practical experience is one of the key pillars of studying at the faculty.