Jeremy (Stewart) Wortham, 3L, always knew he wanted to be a trial lawyer—he just wasn’t sure he had what it took. That changed during his internship with the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Eager for courtroom experience, Jeremy proactively asked to second-chair a three-day domestic violence felony trial. He assisted with objection prep, tracked trial proceedings, and conducted a live direct examination of a detective on the stand.
"I was nervous, and questioned whether I had the skill and ability," Jeremy said. "I’m on ONU Law’s Mock Trial Team, but this was different. When you say you represent the State of Indiana, you really understand the weight of the case."
His preparation paid off: the trial resulted in a guilty verdict on the domestic battery charge, and the experience yielded a post-graduation job offer from the office.
"I relied heavily on his research skills and input," said Supervising Attorney Tasha Lee. "ONU students are personable, great team players, and possess strong research skills."
For Jeremy, the experience bridged the gap between classroom theory and real-world advocacy.
"Jeremy exemplifies how practical training prepares students for when the stakes are real," added Professor Donald Anderson, Director of Trial Advocacy. "It helped him trust himself under pressure—a critical bridge to becoming a skilled advocate."