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Julia Laquidara ‘25
As I embarked on my journey as a summer legal fellow at the New York State Offices of the Inspector General (OIG), I couldn’t have anticipated the depth and breadth of responsibilities I would undertake. This experience allowed me to learn about and work with New York‘s intricate web of government oversight. Over the course of this internship, I was fortunate to witness firsthand the crucial work carried out by the OIG, the Office of the Welfare Inspector General (OWIG), and the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Inspector General (WCFIG).
The Office of the Inspector General has jurisdiction over a vast spectrum of executive branch agencies, departments, and public entities. Their core mission revolves around receiving and investigating complaints related to corruption, fraud, criminal activities, conflicts of interest, and abuse within their purview.
The OWIG is tasked with preserving the integrity of New York’s public assistance programs. This involves investigating fraud, abuse, and illegal activities within local social services districts and among public assistance beneficiaries. WCFIG is responsible for investigating violations of workers’ compensation laws and regulations. Through their diligent efforts, WCFIG aims to reduce costs to the workers’ compensation system while ensuring fair treatment for all parties involved.
Throughout my internship, I had the privilege of contributing to all the OIG’s areas of investigation in several ways. This included crafting effective lines of questioning for target interviews, conducting extensive legal research, reviewing, and summarizing audio and video evidence, and organizing voluminous documents to facilitate investigations.
Beyond these tasks, the OIG fostered a holistic learning environment. There was weekly programming that featured career panels, “Lunch and Learn” sessions on various OIG specialties, and captivating case presentations showcasing the office’s impactful work.
One highlight of my internship was the opportunity to embark on field trips to places like the Peace Bridge, New York State Power Authority, Erie Crime Analysis Center, and Erie County Forensic Lab. These experiences provided a broader understanding of the intricate workings of government and law enforcement. However, the most rewarding aspect of my internship was witnessing the real-world impact of our work. Seeing cases from the original complaint all the way through resolution underscored the significance of our collective efforts in upholding integrity in the investigative process.
My summer as a legal fellow at the New York State Offices of the Inspector General was a transformative experience. It opened my eyes to the intricacies of government oversight and the dedication of those working to ensure the fair and just operation of our public programs. As I reflect on my time there, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their work and gain invaluable insights into the world of investigations.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the generous donors of the 2023 Francis M. Letro & Cindy Abbott Letro Fellowship, whose assistance made my summer experience possible. Thanks to this fellowship, I was able to fully immerse myself in my internship and devote myself to learning as much as possible while also undergoing significant personal and professional growth.
Name: Julia Laquidara ‘25
Fellowship: 2023 Francis M. Letro & Cindy Abbott Letro Fellowship
Placement: New York State Offices of the Inspector General
Location: Buffalo, NY
One important lesson I have learned from this fellowship: “Although beginning your first legal internship can be intimidating, it is important to have confidence in yourself and your abilities. “
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