The mission of the Internship Program is to enable students to become actively involved in the judicial branch of government and to improve their skills and experience.


Program Description

The Internship Programs are designed to allow students to become more familiar with and actively involved in the judicial branch of government.  The 12th Circuit offers two different types of internship opportunities. One is for law school students and the other is for college students.

  • Law School Student Interns work closely with attorneys from Court Counsel’s office on a myriad of legal issues, including criminal post-conviction motions, foreclosures, appeals, and lack of prosecution cases.  Law Student Interns are not assigned to one specific judge or division.
  • College Student Interns work closely with the court programs that most closely align with their area of study at their college or university.

All internships are non-paid.  If an approved internship is offered through your school, course credit may be granted upon prior approval.

Program Requirements

Law School Students:   Applicant must be a law school student currently enrolled in an accredited ABA law school.  To ensure a meaningful internship experience, only 2L and 3L students will be considered for an internship with Court Counsel's office.  

College Students:  Applicant must be enrolled in an accredited college or university.

Applicants should have an interest in understanding the workings of the court system.  Interested parties must successfully complete the application, clearance and selection process, and  if your participation in the program is for course credit, approval by your law school and the 12th Circuit must be made prior to beginning the internship.

Program Application information

All interns must be able to work a minimum of 15 hours per week during the fall and/or spring semesters, or 
30 hours per week during the summer, or for a period as prescribed by the 12th Circuit and/or the college or university.  The number of interns accepted each semester will depend on the needs of the circuit at the time.
Interested students are directed to complete and submit an application packet prior to the deadline.  Please note that applications received after the set deadline will not be considered, and that applications are reviewed upon receipt.  The earlier you submit an application, the greater your chance of acceptance, provided you meet the established criteria.  An interview will be required.

Application Deadlines (applications received after the set deadline will not be considered):

  • Fall Semester (September to December): July 15
  • Spring Semester (January to May): November 15
  • Summer (June to August): April 15

In order to be considered for an internship, all applicants must submit the following:

  • Application for Internship (See Related Links section)
  • Cover Letter
  • Résumé
  • School transcript
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Writing Sample (Law School Students only)

Incomplete Applications will not be considered.

 
  • Contact:  Human Resources Manager
  • Address: Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center
    2002 Ringling Blvd.,
    8th Floor,
    Sarasota, FL 34237
  • Phone: (941) 861-7800
  • Human Resources

Related Links