Certified Legal Intern: Academic Year 2026-2027
Palm Beach County Public Defender / 15th CircuitWest Palm Beach, FL
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Overview
Schedule
Full-time
Career level
Senior-level
Benefits
Career Development
Tuition/Education Assistance
Job Description
The Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office, 15th Judicial Circuit, is a client-centered, dynamic advocacy office providing representation to people whose lives and liberty are at stake. The office handles close to 30,000 cases per year and has approximately 200 employees including lawyers, investigators, social workers, and support staff. The main office, housing the trial and appellate divisions, is in downtown West Palm Beach and there are four branch offices in other areas of the county. Divisions include: County Court; Felony; Mental Health; Major Crimes; Youth Defense; Appeals; and Investigative & Social Services’ Units.Recruiting Summer Academic Year 2026-2027 Certified Legal InternVolunteers: Students enrolled in a credit-bearing law school practice program, or who have already participated as a CLI in such a program, may receive academic credit and are unpaid/volunteer. Internships run for 10 weeks over the summer and are full time.Overview:Certified Legal Interns (CLIs) shadow a County Court attorney for a week (on average). Next, our Misdemeanor Division assigns the CLI a small County Court caseload, for which they possess responsibility as they would if they were a practicing attorney. Assigned to a single division, the attorney assigned to the misdemeanor division supervises and works closely with the CLIs. The Misdemeanor / County Court Chief reviews their cases with them. CLIs attend all court proceedings and act as the attorney of record for all of their assigned clients, with a supervising attorney present, and often try one or more cases as first chair attorney and multiple as second chair. To be a CLI in Florida as a law student, (a) file a Registrant Bar Application or Florida Bar Application with the Florida Board of Bar Examiners;(b) pass a criminal fingerprint check conducted by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners or receive a letter of clearance as to character and fitness from the Florida Board of Bar Examiners;(c) be enrolled in an American Bar Association approved law school in the United States and appear as part of a credit-bearing law school practice program;(d) have completed legal studies amounting to at least 2 semesters or 3 quarters for which the student has received not less than 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours of academic credit or the equivalent;(e) be certified by the dean, or the dean’s designee, of the student’s law school as being of good character and competent legal ability and as adequately trained to perform as a legal intern in a law school practice program; and(g) receive no compensation or remuneration of any kind.
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FAQs About Certified Legal Intern: Academic Year 2026-2027 Jobs at Palm Beach County Public Defender / 15th Circuit
What is the work location for this position at Palm Beach County Public Defender / 15th Circuit?
This job at Palm Beach County Public Defender / 15th Circuit is located in West Palm Beach, FL, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Palm Beach County Public Defender / 15th Circuit?
Employer has not shared pay details for this role.
What employment applies to this position at Palm Beach County Public Defender / 15th Circuit?
Palm Beach County Public Defender / 15th Circuit lists this role as a Full-time position.
What experience level is required for this role at Palm Beach County Public Defender / 15th Circuit?
Palm Beach County Public Defender / 15th Circuit is looking for a candidate with "Senior-level" experience level.
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