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Judicial Intern Academy

Judicial Intern Academy

Since its inception in 2021, the Judicial Intern Academy (JIA), together with the local Federal Bar Association Chapters, has provided summer internships to rising 2L students who, for personal or financial considerations, are unable to devote their summer to a full-time, 40-hour per week judicial internship. The JIA requires a commitment of 20 hours per week for 8 weeks in June and July (from June 2 - July 25). Students are given a weekly schedule that includes remote programming and in-person observations in federal and state court.

Components

  • Pairing with a former federal judicial law clerk as mentor
  • Drafting a substantive written work product based on a real case pending in federal court
  • Observing state and federal court proceedings
  • Access to diverse array of curated programs, locally and nationally, such as:
    • “Conversations with the Court”
    • “Learning from the Legends”
    • Panels on various topics

Law Clerk Advisors

Each intern is paired with a former federal judicial law clerk who serves as an advisor throughout the summer. Law Clerk Advisors (LCAs) volunteer their time and expertise and teach students to develop and refine their oral advocacy, research, analytical, and writing skills. The LCAs serve as a resource to the intern, similar to the experience given to other full-time judicial interns who work with a federal judicial law clerk in chambers.
The interns receive a case-specific writing and oral advocacy assignment and are expected to research and draft a bench memorandum and then present argument at a mock hearing. The intern meets with the assigned LCA at least once a week to discuss the assignment, review research, and provide guidance on the proper legal analysis and writing, with the goal of each intern producing a writing sample for future use.

Application Process

Following an informational session, applications for the Judicial Intern Academy will be submitted to the student's local FBA chapter (click here for brochure). The application includes a resume, writing sample, law school transcript, and cover letter. The deadline to apply is March 28, 2025.

For more information, please contact U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom at 305-523-5870 or Beth_Bloom@flsd.uscourts.gov.