Senior Philosophy Major Explores Law in South Carolina and London

A summer of exploration in the legal field has shaped the future aspirations of Salma Solis, a senior philosophy major at Clemson University. Solis spent her summer interning at the South Carolina Supreme Court and participating in a Pre-Law Study Abroad program in London. This dual experience provided her with invaluable insights into human rights law and the legal profession.

The internship at the South Carolina Supreme Court was organized by the Department of Philosophy and Religion, with guidance from Cary Berkeley Kaye, a philosophy lecturer and Yale Law School graduate. Over the course of six weeks, Solis engaged deeply with the legal system in Columbia, South Carolina. Her responsibilities included researching case packets to assist justices during their decision-making processes, observing oral arguments, and visiting various courts, including a municipal court, the Court of Appeals, and a federal court where she witnessed a jury trial.

During her time at the municipal court, Solis encountered a poignant situation that underscored her interest in human rights law. A man arrived late, unable to catch his bus, which could have led to serious consequences. “Luckily the judge was nice enough to let him come in and talk to her, but if it had been another judge they might have said no,” Solis recalled. “He could’ve ended up in jail all because he couldn’t catch the bus and didn’t have any other means of transportation.”

This experience reinforced her desire to pursue a career focused on human rights, prompting her to apply for the Pre-Law Study Abroad program in London, directed by Tim Garrision. The program examined the indigenous history of human rights through coursework, guest speakers, and visits to historical sites across the city. Students were tasked with researching the evolution of rights for indigenous groups, and Solis chose to focus on Aboriginal Australians. Her research highlighted the overrepresentation of Aboriginal Australians in the criminal justice system, aligning with her commitment to understanding the practical implications of human rights law.

Reflecting on her summer, Solis expressed gratitude for the clarity gained from her experiences. “One of the biggest things was strengthening the fact that this is what I want to do,” she stated. “Study abroad is scary, and internships can be scary, but everything worked out so well. That is because of Clemson and how awesome everyone was at the court.”

Clemson University offers robust support for students aspiring to attend law school. The College of Arts and Humanities maintains a pre-law advising office, which provides counseling and resources for students from all majors interested in pursuing a legal career. This support aims to prepare students for successful futures in law.

Solis’ journey illustrates the significant impact of hands-on experience in shaping one’s professional direction. As she prepares to graduate, her summer reflections signal a promising future in the legal field, driven by a commitment to justice and human rights.