Judah Rockoff (YC '26) reflects on his internship with Justice Rachel Freier in the Kings County Supreme Court.
What were the main tasks you undertook during your internship or fellowship?
During my internship with Justice Rachel “Ruchie” Freier in the Kings County Supreme Court, my primary responsibilities involved reviewing annual guardianship reports to ensure that incapacitated persons (IPs) were receiving appropriate care and were not being exploited. I met regularly with Justice Freier to discuss each case, identify concerns, and determine necessary follow-up. On one occasion, I accompanied the judge to an IP’s apartment to assess the living conditions firsthand and verify that the environment was safe, stable, and suited to the individual’s needs.
What were your research areas or key work objectives?
My work focused on the legal and ethical oversight of guardianship arrangements, with particular attention to how the court monitors the welfare of vulnerable individuals. The central themes included safeguarding the rights of incapacitated persons, evaluating the adequacy of guardians’ actions, and understanding how judicial review functions as a protective mechanism. More broadly, I explored the intersection of law, social services, and human dignity, especially how legal structures intervene when individuals cannot advocate for themselves.
Which skills did you improve or develop during this experience?
I strengthened my analytical and research skills by closely examining detailed reports, identifying inconsistencies, and synthesizing information into clear case discussions. I also developed sharper observational and evaluative abilities through the on-site visit, learning how to assess living conditions with both legal and human considerations in mind. Additionally, working directly with a judge enhanced my professional communication skills, particularly in presenting findings concisely and discussing sensitive matters with care and precision.
Describe one or two significant discoveries or accomplishments. Were there tasks that surprised or particularly challenged you?
One of the most meaningful discoveries was seeing how deeply the law is designed to protect the vulnerable. Reading guardianship reports and then witnessing the realities of an IP’s living conditions revealed the tangible impact of judicial oversight, something that is easy to overlook when thinking about the law in abstract terms. A challenging aspect of the work was confronting situations where individuals were not receiving the care they deserved. Navigating those moments required both analytical clarity and emotional steadiness. This experience gave me a greater appreciation for how legal institutions shape people’s daily lives, often in quiet but profound ways.
How did your experience working with Justice Freier influence or impact your research or work?
Although I am not a Straus Scholar, my experience with Justice Freier deeply aligned with the mission of the Straus program, particularly its emphasis on ethical leadership, interdisciplinary engagement, and the integration of personal values into professional life. Justice Freier, as the first Hasidic woman elected to the bench, exemplifies the combination of professional excellence and religious commitment. Her guidance emphasized the importance of bringing one’s values into the workplace and demonstrated that authenticity earns respect. Observing her leadership broadened my understanding of how identity, ethics, and law can coexist in a judicial setting, and it encouraged me to think more expansively about how personal convictions can inform public service.
Why do you believe this work is important, and why should others consider pursuing similar research or internships?
This work matters because guardianship cases sit at the heart of the justice system’s responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Ensuring that incapacitated persons are safe, respected, and cared for is a moral and legal imperative, and participating in this process offers a powerful window into how the law functions as a safeguard for human dignity. Future interns or scholars would benefit from similar experiences because they reveal the human dimension of legal work, cultivate empathy alongside analytical rigor, and demonstrate how careful oversight can meaningfully improve people’s lives.
