Saltire Scholar from Scotland Reflects on Busy, Fun Summer in Washington Office
When Izzy Singh was deciding where to do her Saltire Scholarship this summer, she was intrigued by the international family law work of her fellow Scot, Stephen Cullen. Seeing the variety of practice areas at Miles & Stockbridge then convinced her to work at the firm's Washington office.
Any nerves she had dissipated the first day she walked into the office last month.
“Everyone here is so friendly and so welcoming, so willing to help with anything and give me opportunities," she says. “It's been a really nice experience to come into."
Saltire Scholarships are offered by the Scottish government in collaboration with Scottish universities and colleges to those "who aspire to become influential leaders in their future careers."
Izzy recently received her law degree from the University of Dundee and wanted to work at an American law firm. She has been assisting Stephen, Kelly Powers and Jim Sullivan with family law cases, including matters involving the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Stephen and Kelly have built and grown the firm's international family law practice, particularly in the United Kingdom, where they are admitted in England, Scotland and Wales.
“I've absolutely loved family law," Izzy says. “The cases are very intense, but each one is different."
In addition to learning about law in a different jurisdiction, Izzy has attended networking events, including one with the British American Business Association and a reception at the British Embassy with men's rugby teams from Scotland and the U.S. prior to their match July 12. (She's pictured below with summer associate Suraj Singh and Melissa Messina at an event held by the Association for Public Finance Professionals.)
“D.C. has been a really good city to live in," she says. “You feel at home very quickly."
Izzy's internship concludes July 26. She'll return to Scotland to start on her diploma in professional legal practice at the University of Strathclyde, although she has not decided yet what area of law she wants to pursue.
“Izzy has been a fantastic ambassador for all things Scottish and particularly Scots Law," says Stephen. “She returns to bonnie Scotland after a great summer with us. Our loss is Scotland's gain."
