A TLIP internship lasts for one academic semester and affords students an opportunity to experience public service firsthand. Commissioner Ellis serves as advisor to the interns, while his office assists in coordinating on-site activities. During legislative sessions, TLIP interns are placed as legislative assistants in the offices of ranking members of the Legislature, including the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In the interim between legislative sessions, interns serve in the offices of elected and appointed officials at the state, county, and municipal levels, such as the Harris County Judge and the Mayor of Houston. This gives them a unique opportunity to interact with officials from all levels of state and local government. This exposure provides students with first-hand knowledge of the critical issues facing our community and state. Interns are involved in all facets of the governmental process. They are exposed to the legislative process of both houses. They see county and municipal government from the ground up. This experience often initiates or focuses a career in public service. In fact, several TLIP participants have continued in public service at the federal, state, and local levels of government.