For law clerks Evan Hancock and Edwin Griffis, working at the Texas Department of Insurance has been more than a traditional internship. It has given them a chance to explore public service, contribute to meaningful legal work, and experience the open, collaborative culture at TDI.
Both serve in TDI’s General Counsel Division, assisting attorneys with legal research, rule review, litigation support, and other projects across the agency.
Evan, a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, first joined TDI as a full-time summer intern after his second year of law school. He enjoyed the experience so much that he stayed on part time throughout his final year and continues with the agency as he prepares for the bar exam.
“I came into law school with a pre-existing interest in administrative law, public law, and highly regulated industries,” Evan said.
For Evan, insurance regulation connects government, business, and consumer protection.
“Insurance aligns really well with that because it is highly regulated,” he said. “It’s something we all interact with at some point in our lives, especially when we’re facing challenging circumstances.”
Edwin, a second-year law student at the University of Texas School of Law, came to TDI after working for a state court in Mississippi. That experience sparked his interest in state government and what life as a government attorney could look like.
“TDI interested me because it tapped into a few of my areas of law that I was interested in learning more about,” Edwin said. “Insurance touches so many different things.”
Once at TDI, both law clerks quickly saw how broad the agency’s work really is. Evan was surprised by the range of functions housed under one roof, including the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Edwin also didn’t realize the full scope of the agency before starting.
“I wasn’t even aware that the State Fire Marshal’s Office was under the same umbrella at TDI,” Edwin said. “It’s just a very large department, which makes sense.”
That variety has created opportunities for both law clerks to work on substantial projects early. Evan has assisted with litigation and settlement negotiations, public law research, insurance business matters, financial oversight work, and a memo involving constitutional law.
“One of the things I like most about being in General Counsel is the diversity of matters I have been able to pitch in on,” Evan said.
Edwin’s assignments have included answering legal questions, conducting legal research, reviewing outdated TDI rules, recommending changes as part of government efficiency efforts, and helping draft proposed statutory changes.
“It’s kind of like a grab bag of different projects,” Edwin said. “It’s mostly been legal research for me, which is fine given what I liked in law school.”
Both said TDI’s welcoming environment has made the experience even more valuable.
“Nobody here makes it hard to do your job,” Evan said. “Everybody has been very welcoming. It’s a friendly culture.”
Edwin agreed, saying, “Whenever I have questions, there’s always someone that’s willing to talk me through it.”
Their experiences show how TDI internships can help students build practical skills, explore dynamic career paths, and grow in an agency committed to serving Texans.
