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The Covington County Probate Office has an extra set of hands this summer as 22-year-old Courtney Teel works alongside Probate Judge Stacy Brooks in a 10-week internship.

A native of Coffee County, Teel graduated from Kinston High School in 2021. While in high school, she attended LBW Community College and earned an associate’s degree. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Alabama in August 2022.

“I’ve known I wanted to be a lawyer since I was a child. I’ve always been passionate about achieving justice and advocating for others,” Teel said. “Through dual enrollment, I was classified as a junior at Alabama by the time I completed high school. During my time in college, I grew even more passionate about law, government, politics, and how they impact every aspect of society.”

Two weeks after graduation, Teel began law school at just 19 years old. She is currently a Juris Doctor candidate at Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. As part of her program, she must complete an experiential learning requirement, which includes internships or externships with practicing attorneys or judges.

“Although it was intimidating at first, I was passionate about this opportunity and believed in myself. A classmate, Hunter Price, completed his externship with Judge Brooks and highly recommended the experience,” she said. “Since receiving my 3L Practice Card, I’ve worked at the Faulkner Law Elder Law Clinic, where I’ve helped clients draft wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare advance directives. I’ve also represented clients in guardianship hearings under the supervision of my professor. This experience sparked my interest in probate law, and I knew I would enjoy working with Judge Brooks in this field.”

Teel’s internship began on May 19 and will run for 10 weeks, concluding the week of July 21 or once she completes at least 120 hours of work with Judge Brooks.

“Through this internship, I’ve gained insight into how probate law functions and what happens behind the scenes after attorneys file petitions and motions. I’ve learned what factors influence a judge’s decisions in these matters,” Teel said.

Teel added that she was drawn to probate law because it helps manage the distribution of a deceased person’s assets, particularly in cases where there is no will.

“When someone passes away without a will, the process of dividing their assets can become chaotic, especially when heirs disagree. This issue is common not only in our community but across the nation. Probate law helps resolve these disputes, promoting harmony among heirs. It also governs critical matters like guardianship, conservatorship, and involuntary mental health commitment proceedings. These are vital areas because they protect vulnerable populations, ensuring their autonomy and rights are respected.”

For Teel, the internship has offered a behind-the-scenes look at the pre-court stages of legal proceedings, which she believes will be valuable in her future career as an attorney.

“My experience in the Elder Law Clinic taught me how to advocate for clients. This internship with Judge Brooks has shown me how to evaluate facts and evidence from both sides, much like a judge would,” she said.

Throughout her time with Judge Brooks, Teel has gained invaluable knowledge both from the judge herself and her staff.

“Judge Brooks has been incredibly open about explaining her decisions, and I’m encouraged to ask questions to deepen my understanding. Her staff has also taught me about various processes, such as recording deeds and marriage licenses. I wouldn’t have learned about these aspects until I started my career as an attorney,” Teel said.

Though rewarding, the internship has not been without its challenges. Teel acknowledges the difficulty of adapting to the various norms of different courts.

“The hardest part of this internship was understanding the unique dynamics of each court’s hearings. I overcame this by attending hearings regularly and observing the expected behaviors in each setting. Now, I have a better understanding of what’s expected of lawyers in different types of hearings,” she said.

Teel also recognizes the physical and mental demands of working in high-stress legal situations.

“It’s essential to prioritize self-care and mental health in the legal profession. Creating a space that welcomes disagreement is important, but it also requires active listening and clear communication. It’s a delicate balance,” she said.

Teel is set to complete her Juris Doctor degree in December of this year.

“This internship has helped me better understand where my interests lie within the law. It’s also allowed me to network with local attorneys and judges, practice critical thinking on complex issues, and appreciate the importance of emotional intelligence in legal practice,” she said.

In addition to her internship, she is enrolled in two other courses and is working with a professor on a guardianship case.

“Managing all of these tasks requires attention to detail and a focus on deadlines. Planning and prioritizing are key,” Teel said.

Teel is deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with Judge Brooks and other local judges.

“I’m extremely thankful for this experience with Judge Brooks. She has shown me how empathy, courage, and service can profoundly impact people’s lives. I’ve also had the chance to connect with other judges and attorneys, all of whom have been supportive and open to helping me learn more about the legal profession,” she said.

The support of her family and friends has been vital throughout her journey.

“My family and friends are my biggest support systems. As a first-generation law student, this journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I’m forever grateful to my parents for always believing in me and helping me get this far,” she said.

Looking ahead, Teel plans to finish her final semester of law school this fall and take the Bar Examination in February 2026.

“I hope to inspire other young women to dream big, prioritize their education, and embrace their independence. As Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said, ‘Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.’ Once I pass the Bar Examination, I’ll have achieved one of my biggest dreams of becoming an attorney,” Teel said.

Courtney is the daughter of Allen and Siobhan Teel. She has a sister, Chloe, and a brother, Noah.

“I have enjoyed having Courtney in the probate office this summer. As an intern, Courtney has provided invaluable assistance with involuntary mental commitment cases, guardianship cases, and estate administration cases. She has a very bright future in the legal profession,” Brooks said.