This past summer, I had the privilege of being a Legal & Policy Intern at Mozilla. While many people equate Mozilla with one of its most well-known products, Firefox—a web browser renowned for its emphasis on user privacy—Firefox is just one facet of the broader work done at Mozilla.
Unlike many other corporations, Mozilla is owned by the Mozilla Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring the internet remains a free and open global public resource. The Foundation advances these goals through internet policy, advocacy, education, and community outreach. This structure sets Mozilla apart from other Big Tech companies, as it operates with guiding principles that prioritize the public good over profit.
I felt incredibly fortunate to land this internship by applying directly through the Mozilla website after spotting the job posting on LinkedIn. The moment I saw it, I knew it was the perfect match for me. I was on the hunt for a role that would allow me to explore my passion for the intersection of technology and law, especially within the realms of intellectual property and data privacy. Mozilla checked all the boxes, aligning perfectly with my legal interests while also resonating with my deep-rooted commitment to social justice and making a meaningful impact.
Being part of Mozilla's Legal & Policy team was nothing short of exhilarating. I worked closely with the Senior IP & AI Counsel, but I also had the chance to collaborate with attorneys from a range of teams, including product counsel, commercial counsel, privacy and data protection, and corporate counsel. My primary focus was on intellectual property, data privacy, and a bit of policy work—a combination that felt like the sweet spot where my interests converged. When I first stepped into this role, I had no formal work experience in IP or data privacy, but by the end of the summer, I had amassed a treasure trove of knowledge that I’ll carry with me throughout my career.
Some of my day-to-day intellectual property tasks included reviewing copyright and trademark infringement reports and conducting further escalation when needed. I also on the job training on how to conduct a trademark search and what it means for in-house companies to work with outside counsel. One of my major summer projects was developing a personal data breach response plan. This was one of my first experiences with data privacy and cybersecurity. It was a complex issue to navigate, but with the help of resources and diligent effort, I successfully completed the project and presented it in person to our colleagues at an onsite event in San Francisco, California.
My summer internship experience has solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in this field. As emerging technologies like AI continue to reshape industries, the U.S. faces a significant gap in privacy regulations and a dire need for more diverse voices in intellectual property law. I’m immensely grateful for this immersive experience with such a talented team and am eager to continue contributing to impactful work in the future. I’m now even more excited to remain committed to the Intellectual Property Track here at Maryland Law.