Over the last three weeks I have had a fantastic time working with Amicus in London as a UK intern!

Tucked away in a corner of the offices of Baker & McKenzie, Amicus is a small legal charity that helps to provide representation for those on death row in the United States as well as seeking to raise awareness of death penalty issues in the UK. I first became interested in the death penalty and the American criminal justice system after reading the fantastic 'Just Mercy' by Bryan Stevenson. Over the last few weeks I have been able to immerse myself in this world and gain a more personal perspective about life on death row.

The intimate feel of the office has enabled me to get involved with lots of different aspects of the work that the charity does. Many of my tasks have been centred around helping to organise Art for Amicus ­­­- an upcoming exhibition and auction of artworks done by inmates on death row. I have also been able to get involved in an interesting casework project looking back at homicide cases in Missouri over the past 30 years.

Many thanks to Maroshini, Florence and Margot for warmly welcoming me into the office - it has been a pleasure to support the work that the charity does! Hopefully I will have the opportunity to get involved with death penalty work again on a pro-bono basis during my time as a solicitor.