About the role#
The Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office in the 15th Judicial Circuit offers internship opportunities for law students to gain courtroom experience. This is an unpaid, full-time volunteer position. Interns work within the County Court division to provide representation to clients. You will be assigned to a single division where you work under the supervision of a misdemeanor division attorney and the County Court Chief.
What you'll do#
- Shadow a County Court attorney for approximately one week.
- Manage a small County Court caseload independently.
- Act as the attorney of record for your assigned clients, with a supervising attorney present.
- Attend all court proceedings for your cases.
- Try one or more cases as a first chair attorney.
- Serve as second chair for multiple cases.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment in an American Bar Association approved law school in the United States.
- Participation in a credit-bearing law school practice program.
- Completion of at least two semesters or three quarters of legal studies, totaling at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours of academic credit.
- Certification from your law school dean or designee confirming good character and competent legal ability.
- A filed Registrant Bar Application or Florida Bar Application.
- A passed criminal fingerprint check or a letter of clearance regarding character and fitness from the Florida Board of Bar Examiners.
Location & details#
- Location: West Palm Beach, Florida.
- Modality: On-site.
- Terms: Summer 2027, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, and Spring 2027.
About Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office, 15th Judicial Circuit
The Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office provides criminal defense for indigent individuals in the 15th Judicial Circuit. Founded in 1963, the agency manages more than 30,000 cases each year. Its staff includes attorneys, investigators, and social workers who operate out of a central office in West Palm Beach and four additional county branches. The office maintains specialized units for felony, mental health, youth defense, and major crimes.
How to get in at Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office, 15th Judicial Circuit
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