This summer, Madeline Williams ‘26 will have a unique experience applying her legal skills in a real-world setting. She will be interning at the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) within the Department of Defense in Quantico, Virginia. DCSA is the largest investigative service provider in the federal government, supporting over 100 federal entities. Attorneys at DCSA handle a broad range of matters, including national security, data privacy, cybersecurity, government contracting and procurement, federal employment, personnel security, and administrative law.
Reflecting on the kind of lawyer she hopes to become, Williams emphasized the importance of empathy and integrity in legal practice. “The law needs good people, and I want to be one of them,” she said.
Before she begins her internship, Williams answered a few questions about her experience at Ohio State Law and her interest in national security.
What sparked your interest in national security law?
MW: It stems from my background in psychology, which I pursued out of a deep fascination with the human mind and its potential for both compassion and cruelty. I’ve always been curious about what drives people to do extraordinary good, but also what leads individuals or groups to cross the line into lawlessness or commit acts that harm others. That curiosity evolved into a desire to understand the systems and laws that exist to prevent such harm, hold people accountable, and protect society at large. After declaring a second major in security and intelligence as an undergraduate at Ohio State, I was nominated to participate in the National Security Simulation directed by Professor Dakota Rudesill. This experience–being surrounded by practitioners who have had a real impact on the American government and its national security efforts as well as other students who shared this passion–gave me an intense feeling of reassurance that this was the kind of work I was meant to do.
A large part of my passion also stems from my grandfather, a man I never actually met as he passed when my dad was still a child. My grandfather graduated from Georgetown Law and became a spy for the US Army. I aspire to serve my country like he did, with compassion in his heart and an immense sense of obligation to protect his family and his country. My grandfather could see through to the hearts of people, no matter who they were, and strived to learn from every person he encountered. It’s that empathy and consideration that I hope to embody as I begin my career in national security law.
How have you been able to further develop your interest as a student? Are there certain classes or experiences that have helped?
MW: Since starting law school, I participated in the National Security Simulation again, assuming the role of Deputy DHS Secretary, which only emboldened my interest even more. I began researching under Professor Rudesill where I got to dive even deeper into issues of national security, and Professor (Joshua) Dressler in researching matters of criminal law.
After my first year, I was invited to attend the 2024 Conference on Diversity in International Affairs hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C., where I not only deepened my understanding of national security law but also fell in love with our nation’s capital.
I then began my summer internship and fall externship with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio. The Assistant US Attorneys were genuinely invested in my career success, making sure I had plenty of legal writing experience and the chance to interact with federal agents of all kinds on our investigations. I saw what true victim advocacy looks like in the face of child exploitation and human trafficking, and it’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time.
This spring, my experience at the Ohio Public Defender’s Office gave me the opportunity to look at the law from the opposite perspective. I learned that the motions I wrote would often be received by an audience less inclined to sympathize with our clients. This made me develop so much respect for these attorneys on what can sometimes feel like a Sisyphean task. The attorneys in the Appellate & Post-Conviction department, however, didn’t view this job as any kind of punishing work, but rather, a badge of honor. Like I mentioned before, we need good people in law, and these are absolutely the kinds of good people I was picturing.
Selecting classes of interest plays a considerable role in developing your individual aspirations, but it’s important to seek out additional experiences that can inform your career path. I genuinely believe that each of these hands-on, practical experiences I’ve mentioned have contributed substantially to my legal education and personal development.
What is the most interesting part of national security law for you?
MW: National security law is not like any other area of law. Upholding national security is not a task that can be done by one person. Every person working in this capacity is essential to maintaining and improving our country’s ability to protect the American population. In pursuing national security law, I feel a great sense of honor in becoming a part of this team and getting to see how the work of individuals contributes to the broader goal so directly.
What are you most looking forward to about your summer in Quantico?
MW: I'm incredibly excited to be working in Quantico this summer—it’s a major hub for some of the most brilliant minds in national security. Being based there means I’ll be surrounded by the work of top-tier agencies. It's a rare opportunity to gain exposure to the collaborative efforts that shape our national defense and intelligence strategies.
Quantico is also rich in history, as is nearby Washington, D.C., where I plan to spend a lot of my free time. As someone who’s passionate about both art history and the history of war, I can’t wait to explore the museums and immerse myself in the stories and artifacts that have shaped the world we live in today. It’s truly the perfect intersection of my professional goals and personal passions.
How have your experiences in national security influenced your plans for your career?
MW: My experiences in national security have been instrumental in shaping my career goals. Without the hands-on exposure I’ve had—from participating in national security simulations, to conducting research for Professor Rudesill, one of the field’s leading scholars, to taking courses and participating in internships that challenged and inspired me—I wouldn’t feel as confident that this is the right path for me.
The encouragement I’ve received from my family and friends has also made all the difference. Their support, like my experiences in national security, has affirmed that I’m on the right path—and I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead.
This story covers activity that took place before June 27, 2025, when Ohio Senate Bill 1 took effect. Moritz College of Law has discontinued diversity, equity and inclusion activities in compliance with the law.