Bell Legal Group Hires Five Summer Interns
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
With state and national unemployment rates at a record high, and Georgetown County's rate reaching 11.6% in May, teens are finding it tougher than ever to find a job this summer.
"We've interviewed more young people than ever before, who are looking for work this summer," said Sean Phelan, of the Bell Legal Group. "If that's indicative of the job market everywhere, this country is certainly dealing with a crisis."
President Obama addressed the problem in his stimulus package with the federally funded, youth summer jobs program. While it created 125,000 new jobs for young people, restrictions on family income levels make many teens ineligible for the program. A web search reveals hundreds of job locator services promising to help young people find employment, but the reality is that many teens will be competing with newly unemployed adults who are willing to take any type of work and who won't have to return to school in the fall.
This new reality could deny many impressionable teens the opportunity to explore careers and make choices about their future. It could also prohibit them from earning extra money to help defer the rising cost of education. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, cultivating leadership by mentoring youth through career training gives young adults first-hand job exposure through the workplace and increased self-esteem. The Bell Legal Group has mimicked that philosophy since the firm's inception, and has put interns into training positions in every aspect of the legal profession. Ed Bell, Carter Elliott and Sean Phelan, all partners in the firm, made the decision to hire 5 interns this summer, its largest group ever, despite the uncertain economy. "We can't let the economic crisis keep us from fulfilling our responsibility as role models to our youth," said Bell, senior partner. The firm, with offices in Georgetown, Sumter, and Washington DC, allows college age young adults the opportunity to work full or part time in jobs that range from clerical work, research, paralegal assistant and for those serious about the law, they allow interns to shadow attorneys and actually experience time in the courtroom. "Whether practicing law is their ultimate goal, or they just want to test the waters, we are dedicated to giving bright young people the opportunity to explore and learn through on-the-job training with us," said Mr. Phelan. "We see it as a win - win situation for us. We have identified some very talented students who have returned to our firm after getting their education to become valued employees. On the flip side, we have helped many students decide if the law is really right for them. We're determined not to let this recession get in the way of these positive relationships."
This year's summer interns include Jackie Huneault, assistant to the paralegal staff; Emily Arp who is assisting Ed Bell in the environmental department; Gigi Bell, who is working with attorney Ryan Heiskell in the environmental department; Tom Hollowell, who is assisting Tom Winslow in the medical malpractice department; and Nicole Suissa, who will shadow Mr. Bell in all areas.
For more information on Bell Legal Group, visit www.belllegalgroup.com or call 843-546-2408.
