Andrew Mount recently concluded a seven-week summer internship, under the supervision under the direction of Covington County Circuit Judge Ben Bowden.
The University of Alabama’s School of Law in Tuscaloosa, Mount was awarded the internship as part of the Finch Initiative, which provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience courts in a small-town location.
“The Finch Fellowship is funded and managed through the law school. I sent a letter of application for the law school to be an Finch Fellow last fall and was then interviewed by one of the deans at the law school for the job. She suggested the position for the position to Judge Bowden. When he endorsed my application I was subsequently an 2023 Finch Fellow. It’s worth noting that there are three Finch Fellows this year working with other judges in rural areas around in the State,” the judge said.
Born in his home in the Upper West Side neighborhood of New York City, his parents relocated into New York before he was born. Mount was awarded the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre from the New York University Tisch School of the Arts in the year 2020. After two years of work in the south, he relocated to the south in the fall of last year. He’ll begin his second year in legal school next fall, and complete his studies in spring 2025.
Mount said that he has was taught that judges must be observant in all instances and accountable to ensure the proper implementation laws.
“He should have a thorough understanding of the laws that apply to him. When he’s not sure how law is applied to a particular situation then he should study and consult with the cases to decide the best method for him to use the law. As a volunteer to assist Judge Bowden in his research, I practiced the writing and research abilities I acquired during my first year in law school. I was taught how to present legal concepts in a concise simple, precise, and accurate way since Judge Bowden could not tell if my knowledge regarding the law was true in the absence of communicating my knowledge clearly. I also learned that the top judges are not just able to clearly explain law but also deal with people with respect and compassion. It can be a stressful experience to go to court, particularly when the stakes are high. Judge Bowden is able to handle any case that he is presented with the kind of understanding and compassion I would like to show as a lawyer someday. I also discovered that a judge’s obligation to his fellow citizens extends far beyond in the confines of the courtroom. To be truly effective a judge, he must engage with his fellow citizens as an individual citizen. Judge Bowden is a part of numerous community organizations to mention,” Mount said.
As a frequent visitor to the region, Mount has embraced the rural Alabama culture and acknowledged the local community.
“People here are neighbours in the most literal sense of the word. Friendly to talk, eager to assist a stranger, they show the most charming aspects characteristics of small town America. They’re all invested in Andalusia in one way or another, and it’s evident. It’s no secret that the Rotary Club is active with their participation in the World Domino Championship as we as we speak. There’s a tennis camp for the summer at a lower cost since people have gathered to get it done. The LBW’s Andalusia campus isn’t just gorgeous, but it’s also a great location for learning since the people of Andalusia are determined to ensure that their children’s education is a priority. I am very content to know the town and those who live there. I was raised in a major city and it was wonderful to imagine what my life would have been like if I been born elsewhere,” Mount said.
His ambition is to eventually become Assistant Attorney General for the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
“I am determined to give back to my local community at the highest level of abilities and the most effective way about doing that is becoming an attorney. Being an actor I can entertain people and there’s something to be said about it. As lawyer, I can be a fighter to protect people from arbitrary government intervention and assist them in obtaining justice when they’ve been wronged. I decided to go to Alabama Law because I would like to be a lawyer in Alabama as I graduate, and would like to also start an entire home with my family,” he said.
Mount was the child of Gregory Mount and Allison Cook.
“We really enjoyed the presence of Andrew in town this past summer. Andrew has been a part of the community of small-town Alabama and everyone has enjoyed being around him. I’m extremely happy for the law school that has attracted people like Andrew to the state of Alabama. He’s a young man with a strong character smart, intelligent, and is likely to become a top lawyer in the near future instead of later. I hope he chooses South Alabama to set up his own practice.” Judge Bowden said.
The article UA lawyer finishes internship with Covington County Circuit Court was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
