15th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM CELEBRATES FIVE YEAR MILESTONE
(Image provided by the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit – https://www.15thcircuit.com)
The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit recently celebrated the conclusion of its annual summer judicial intern and law clerk intern program, marking five years of providing students the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.
This year’s program, which ran from June 1st through July 31st, included 10 undergraduate student interns and 5 law student interns, representing universities from both in and out of state. Through mentorship from judges and court administration staff, the students participated in activities including Lunch and Learns, panel discussions, field trips to local agencies and facilities, and courtroom observations.
The program, which was established in 2021 and inspired by a previous intern program, has always been focused on helping the next generation foster a deep understanding of the judicial system, while also showcasing diverse areas of practice.
“Under Amy Borman (former General Counsel), the Circuit had a long standing respected program, which ceased when she moved on to other opportunities,” said Judge Sherri Collins. “Judge Schosberg Feuer and I used that program as an inspiration. The new program evolved to include undergraduate students experiencing mentorship with judges and provide more exposure to potential practice areas for the aspiring attorneys. The goal is to help identify the type of law that sparks their passion and provide the tools to achieve a position in that field.”
Since its inception in 2021, the internship program has seen significant growth in interest from college students as well as opportunities offered throughout the program. In the early years, the program typically generated interest from about two dozen students. Now, on average, the Circuit receives over 100 submissions from all over the country during the open application period in December/January for the limited number of available spots.
“Our 15th Judicial Circuit summer internship program has grown and expanded since its inception 5 years ago,” said Judge Feuer. “We are fortunate to hire interns from schools around the country who are smart, motivated and committed to learning about the legal system, the jury trial system and the inner workings of the Palm Beach County Courthouse. The internship is a mutually beneficial mentoring relationship between the judges and the students, and we are proud of the impact we are having on our future lawyers and leaders.”
Ashlyn Darden, General Counsel for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, who works alongside Judge Feuer and Judge Collins in managing the law clerk student participants said “Our summer internship program offers law students something law school cannot replicate: an all-access look at the behind the scenes of the justice system. By working side-by-side with judges and court staff, our exceptional internship students
are not just learning the letter of the law—they are experiencing and seeing firsthand what it means to be an ethical, effective advocate and public servant.”
The success the program has seen in its first five years is a testament to the passion and dedication many of the Circuit’s judges and court staff have for mentoring the next generation and investing in their legal career aspirations. As the program moves forward, the Circuit remains committed to creating opportunities for students to engage directly with the judiciary, strengthen their professional skills and develop a deeper appreciation for the role courts play in the community.