SURROGATE PAT JONES OFFERS JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAMDEN COUNTY COLLEGE STUDENTS AND RUTGERS SCHOOL OF LAW INTERNSHIP


In an era of appropriately doing more with less, one excellent example of joining forces can be seen in the cooperative efforts employed by the Camden County Surrogate’s Court, Camden County College and Rutgers University School of Law.As a court, the surrogate’s responsibility is to qualify wills, executors, and to establish estate administration when decedents fail to leave a will.While the foregoing is a brief and simple outline of the court’s work, it is its main responsibility.Record keeping, adoptions and managing over 900 minors’ trust accounts are among the additional jobs performed by the Surrogate.

The Surrogate’s Court, under the direction of Surrogate Patricia Egan Jones, entered into an interlocal government services agreement, sanctioned by the Camden County Board of Freeholders, with Camden County College to provide employment to Camden County College students.The college provides the students, 12 months a year, per the agreement.The program is now 3 years old and both students, Camden County College and the Surrogate are delighted with the opportunity for students and the help it provides to the Surrogate and staff.“We could not do without them, stated Surrogate Jones.“They learn and help, what could be better than that?  We have also just begun to provide internships for students enrolled in the college’s paralegal program.”An internship, can be a volunteer or a for credit arrangement which enhances all students’ skills and resumes.

Rutgers University School of Law was involved this past spring semester in providing a law student to help with numerous court matters.Strictly voluntary, the program which gives students real court activities, making this a part of the law school’s offerings, enhances the education Rutgers Law School provides and is of immeasurable value as students graduate and move on with their professional work.Currently, a law student has served the court during the summer months making it possible for staff to shoulder the workload during vacation time.“Everyone should explore these mutually beneficial programs” stated the Surrogate.“Cooperating across disciplines works for everyone” noted Surrogate Jones and saves the most precious of things, the public’s money.

“Both Rutgers School of Law and Camden County College should be applauded for providing students at various levels in their academic careers the opportunity to be a part of the working world.We look forward to many more collaborative ventures” concluded Surrogate Jones.



(L to R) Lauren Davis of Sicklerville, Darryl Rhone of Rutgers
Law School, Surrogate Pat Jones, Tonee Burley of Camden, and
Jessica Stewart of Somerdale.