Law Internships & Law Externships

Externship Program

OVERVIEW

Ave Maria School of Law’s Externship Program allows students to gain valuable hands-on legal experience working for judges, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and certain private practice attorneys in their offices while earning academic credit.

Many students find that externships enrich their education by allowing students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real world cases. In addition to observing and undertaking substantive legal assignments, student externs interact with attorneys and judges who serve as site supervisors, and who may also become excellent mentors for the future.

Exposure to different practice settings through the Externship Program can serve as a critical tool for any student developing a career path. The fieldwork is complemented by an academic program, taught by a seminar professor, and designed to increase a student extern’s awareness of professional skills and competencies necessary in the practice of law.

Externs are placed in judicial chambers, including those of federal judges, state appellate courts, and state supreme courts. Additionally, many externs are placed in federal agencies. Students completed externships locally in SW Florida, as well as in Tampa, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and many other cities.

Federal Work Study Program

OVERVIEW

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides part-time employment to students attending institutions of higher education who need the earnings to help meet the cost of their postsecondary education and encourages students receiving FWS assistance to participate in community service activities. Under this program, funds are given to participating colleges and universities to administer in accordance with the guidelines provided by the U. S. Department of Education. The student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and request a Federal Work-Study award on the application.

Students may obtain FWS positions on-campus or off-campus. The Office of Professional Development is responsible for assisting students with legal off-campus positions.

On-Campus FWS Employment

Positions are available on-campus in the Library, the Computer Lab, the Bookstore and Café, and various administrative offices (e.g. Admissions Office, the Office of Professional Development, Development Office).

Jobs are also available as Research Assistants for Law School faculty members. Research Assistant jobs are only available to students who have completed their first year of study.

Students interested in On-Campus Work Study opportunities should contact the department where they wish to work to ask about current opportunities or visit Symplicity for a listing of available positions.

Off-Campus Work Study Internship

The Office of Professional Development contracts with select non-profit and government organizations to offer FWS employment at off-campus locations. A limited number of FWS jobs are also available at private law firms in the law school locale.

Students interested in Off-Campus Work Study Internships should participate in On-Campus Recruitment programs or visit the Office of Professional Development.

CERTIFIED LEGAL INTERNSHIPS

Certified Legal Internship

Ave Maria School of Law offers a part-time and full-time Certified Legal Intern (“CLI”) Program. A CLI is a law student who is approved by the Florida Supreme Court pursuant to Rule 11. CLIs may represent clients in court for certain state agencies or legal aid organizations under the supervision of a Florida licensed attorney. The CLI Program Benefits include:

Allowing students to gain valuable hands-on legal experience working for government agencies and organizations.
Enriching education by allowing students to apply what they have learned in Trial Advocacy and Moot Court to real world cases.
Exposing students to trial practice that can serve as a critical tool for any student developing a career path, especially in litigation.

Certified Legal Intern opportunities are available in summer semester before 3L year. Ave Maria School of Law has developed a track for students who express an interest in criminal prosecution or defense. Students must register their 1L year.

Interested students are encouraged to contact the Professional Development office with any questions.

“CLI is an amazing experience because you get the real life practice by dipping your foot in the water rather than jumping into a 10 foot pool. Not only does it bring experience, it also helps put into practice what you have been learning the past 2-3 years and sharpen your knowledge on those subjects as well. I highly recommend everyone doing a CLI if possible if you plan on being in court in any realm of law.”

“”
Amanda NewkirkAMSL Class of 2022

CLI – Certified Legal Intern FAQ’s

Where can a CLI work?

A CLI may appear in court or in administrative proceedings in the state of Florida, on behalf of the state of Florida in criminal proceedings, or behalf of governmental officers or entities.

What are the benefits of becoming a CLI?

Students participating in the fieldwork component of a CLI may have their own caseloads and appear in court under the supervision of an attorney. They are expected to handle a full range of cases and litigation responsibilities, including client/victim/witness interviewing, fact investigation, taking and defending depositions, writing and responding to pretrial motions, handling hearings, engaging in plea negotiations, and conducting jury and bench trials.

What are the educational objectives of this program?

Provide students with an environment in which to learn hands on practical legal skills and work with real clients and on real cases under the supervision of experienced attorneys;

Increased knowledge of substantive law;
Increased knowledge of litigation and trial practice;
Give students insight into the legal system; and
Teach students the many facets of professional responsibility and professionalism, including: civility, decorum, timely performance of tasks, punctuality and ethical considerations.

What should a student expect outside of the placement?

Students will attend seminars that complement the fieldwork and emphasize ethics and professional responsibility.

Post-Graduate CLI Certification Request

If you are a sponsoring agency looking to secure a post-graduate CLI for a newly-hired Ave Maria School of Law graduate, you may request a Dean’s Certification Letter on behalf of the graduate.

If you are a student with questions about eligibility or requesting a post-graduate CLI Certification, please contact Dean Backer.

United Nations Legal Externship

Begining in the Fall of 2024, Ave Maria School of Law will offer a full-time United Nations Legal Externship Program. Program benefits include:

Allowing students in their final year of law school to spend a full semester in New York City to work on-site at the United Nations, Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See Vienna, Austria, or Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See, Geneva, Switzerland.
Providing invaluable experience assisting the work of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with their multilateral work at the UN, on issues such as international conflict, global disarmament, human rights, and economic development.

United Nations Legal Externship opportunities require prerequisites and an application process for the program. Interested students are encouraged to contact the Professional Development office with any questions.

United Nations Legal Externship FAQ’s

What are the benefits of the program?

Students will be exposed to the international law and global relations and diplomacy by serving as representatives for their NGOs at the United Nations. Exposure to daily diplomatic duties include: attending the wide variety of UN meetings, conferences and debates, take notes, draft and file reports, review international treaties and documents, attend or give presentations on topics of international law, assist in running conferences, and many other activities.

What are the educational objectives of this program?

Provide students with an environment in which to learn the integration of international law, international relations and Catholic Social teaching while working under the supervision of experienced professionals;

Increased knowledge of international law and international agreement;
Increased knowledge of international law and diplomatic practice;
Give students insight into the legal framework governing relations among states; and
Teach students the many facets of professional responsibility and professionalism, including: civility, decorum, timely performance of tasks, punctuality and ethical considerations.