Bridging the Bar: Internships

 

Do you have a passion for justice?  A desire to build a safer community?  Do you crave the excitement of the courtroom?  Are you looking to explore a public service legal career?
Spend a semester with us and join us in our mission to build a safer and stronger Hillsborough County.  Explore our internship programs below to see if we have an internship program that suits you.  Our unpaid internships are designed for students who are enrolled in college, graduate school or law school.  We will occasionally accept high school interns to participate in an observational internship for a one week period; high school students interested in an internship should complete and submit the internship application.

 

Certified Legal Interns (CLI)

Our CLIs handle real cases in the courtroom.  As part of the Law School Practice Program, the Florida Bar authorizes CLIs to practice law under the supervision of a licensed attorney.  CLIs must complete all requirements of the Florida Bar prior to being certified and beginning their internship. CLIs are placed in either our county court or juvenile division.  In county court, CLIs prosecute misdemeanor and traffic offenses through motion practice, bench trials and jury trials.  In juvenile court, our CLIs conduct bench trials of both misdemeanor and felony level offenses. CLIs learn the skills necessary to handle a criminal case from start to finish under the supervision of an attorney. These skills include preparation of discovery and responses to pre-trial motions, arguing motions in court, handling arraignment dockets, and prosecuting trials. Because our CLI program requires court attendance, CLIs must commit to at least two days in the office, not including Fridays.

Legal Interns (Law students)

Legal Interns are law students who have not been certified by the Florida Bar. Legal Interns cannot speak on the record or practice law, but can assist attorneys in preparing cases for court.  As a Legal Intern, you will be assigned to one of our divisions where you will observe court and work closely with the attorneys assigned to that division.  Your work assignments might include conducting legal research, reviewing jail calls, or assisting in the preparation of discovery documents under the guidance of one of our attorneys.

Communications Intern (Undergraduate or above)

We seek student interns with a strong academic background with interests in communications and the interaction between a government agency and the local community. The intern will work directly with our communications team. Interns may interact with the community on behalf of the office in a professional capacity.  Communications, marketing, graphic design, public relations students, graduate students, or undergraduate students may apply. Applicants will be expected to complete a minimum of a 20-hour work week.  Duties may include public relations, marketing, or the development of social media content.

Information Technology Intern (Undergraduate or above))

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated Information Technology Intern to join our team. This internship will provide valuable hands-on experience in various aspects of IT, including but not limited to system administration, network management, cybersecurity, technical support, and software development. The selected candidate will have the chance to work closely with experienced professionals in a supportive environment to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field of information technology.

Victim Services Intern (Undergraduate or above)

Our Victim Services Intern works in our Victim Assistance Program (VAP) as part of our team of victim advocates and counselors.  Our advocates and counselors help victims with any issues associated with the crime and the court process.

Undergraduate Interns (Legal Track)

Undergraduate Interns interested in a Legal Track are usually assigned to one of our felony divisions.  As an undergraduate intern, you can expect to learn about the legal process by observing court proceedings and working in a support capacity for our attorneys.

How to Apply

Complete the intern application and release.  Send your resume, intern application and release to [email protected].  The application deadlines are as follows:

Spring Semester          November 1

Summer Semester      March 15

Fall Semester              June 1

We will accept applications after the deadline if positions are still available.  You will be notified of your acceptance into our internship program approximately one week after the application deadline.

Interns are responsible for ensuring that all education credit requirements are met, applied for, and followed.  Non-credit interns need to provide proof of good academic standing.  CLIs are responsible for obtaining their certification from the Florida Supreme Court.  All internships require a minimum commitment of two (2) days per week for at least six (6) weeks.  All interns must undergo and pass a criminal background check.

Interested in learning more about a legal career in the criminal justice field, but not ready for an internship?  Consider Bridging the Bar Job Shadowing- an educational opportunity to job shadow an assistant state attorney and learn more about the criminal justice system.

Join our E-Newsletter using the form below:


Translate »