Externship Programs

The Law School’s Clinical Placement Program, in conjunction with the Florida Supreme Court, permits second and third year law students to practice law as Certified Legal Interns under the direct supervision of an experienced Florida attorney, and the overall responsibility of the Law School’s Director of Clinical Placements. Law students routinely work at government and other public sector law offices specializing in: Civil Poverty Law, Civil Government Law, Criminal Defense, and Criminal Prosecution. Externs’ professional responsibilities include trying real life civil and criminal cases, advising clients, interviewing witnesses, and preparing all forms of legal documents. The Law School also offers placements in both Federal and State Court judicial chambers, and in a special mediation clinic. Externship students participate in a weekly seminar designed to address the practical considerations involved in their current placements, and in overcoming the “gap” which exists between being a 3L and a successful member of the bar.

Civil Government Externship (4 credits)

The student will be placed in a government agency's legal department. Possible field placements include: Orange County Attorney. The student will work at the field placement a minimum of twenty hours each week throughout the semester. In addition, the student will attend a one hour class each week at the Law School. This is a pass/fail course. Students will be evaluated by their field placement supervisors in consultation with Professor Young. To obtain a passing grade, students must satisfactorily complete both the field placement and classroom component of the externship.

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Civil Poverty Externship (4 credits)

The student will be placed in a legal aid organization. Possible field placements include: Orange County Legal Aid, Seminole County Legal Aid, Greater Orlando Legal Services or Bay Area Legal Services. The student will work at the field placement a minimum of twenty hours each week throughout the semester. In addition, the student will attend a one hour class each week at the Law School. This is a pass/fail course. Students will be evaluated by their field placement supervisors in consultation with Professor Young. To obtain a passing grade, students must satisfactorily complete both the field placement and classroom component of the externship.

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Judicial Externship (2 credits)

The students work in the Fifth, Ninth, or Eighteenth Judicial Circuit or the Fifth District Court of Appeals in Daytona Beach. The students are supervised by judges and their staff attorneys or law clerks. The students observe court proceedings and assist the courts with legal research and analysis related to pending matters. Students must commit to ten hours of work at the courts each week. In addition to these work hours the students attend a one-hour class held every other week. This is a pass/fail course. Students will be evaluated by their placement supervisors in consultation with the assigned professor.

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Mediation Externship (2 credits)

The students work at the Orange County Dispute Resolution Service under the supervision of David Hunt and Kathy Reuter for a minimum of five hours each week throughout the semester equally at a minimum of eighty-four hours, including classroom time during the semester. In addition to the work hours, the students meet as a class for one hour every other week. This externship is designed as a follow-up to the Mediation course taught by Professors Hunt and Reuter. This is a pass/fail course. Students will be evaluated for this grade by the Professors Hunt, and Reuter in consultation with other mediators who have observed individual students.

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Prosecution Externship (5 credits)

The student will be placed in a prosecuting attorney’s office (e.g., State Attorney, City Attorney). Placement opportunities are available in the Ninth Judicial Circuit covering Orange and Osceola Counties and by agreement with various other counties. The student will work at the field placement a minimum of twenty-five hours each week and must be available every business day throughout the semester. In addition, the student will attend a one hour class each week at the Law School. This is a pass/fail course. Students will be evaluated by their field placement supervisors in consultation with Professor Young. To obtain a passing grade, students must satisfactorily complete both the field placement and classroom component of the externship.

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Public Defender Externship (5 credits)

The student will be placed in a Public Defender office. Placement opportunities are available in the Ninth Judicial Circuit covering Orange and Osceola Counties and by agreement with various other counties. The student will work at the field placement a minimum of twenty-five hours each week and must be available every business day throughout the semester. In addition, the student will attend a one hour class each week at the Law School. This is a pass/fail course. Students will be evaluated by their field placement supervisors in consultation with Professor Young. To obtain a passing grade, students must satisfactorily complete both the field placement and classroom component of the externship.

PDF: More Information.
Note: You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files.

NOTE: Students participating in the Civil Government, Civil Poverty, Prosecution and Public Defender Externships may be certified as legal interns (CLIs). CLIs, under the supervision of a licensed attorney, may be able to represent the State of Florida or live clients prior to, and for up to one year after, graduation.

For further information please contact Professor Schinasi at 321-206-5661 321-206-5661 .