LAW OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER Summer Justice Internship Program

The internship programs at the Law Office of the Public Defender traditionally catered to college and law school students. Due to the high interest level from High school students for internship opportunities, we have introduced an abbreviated two-week internship program specifically designed for high school aged students.

The Youth Summer Justice Program will expose high school students to the innerworkings of the court system. The program focuses on the criminal justice courts, law enforcement, crime lab and medical examiner’s office.

The program will take place from June 16 to June 27, 2025, running Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Program highlights include:

• Attorney Shadowing: Interns will accompany attorneys throughout their daily activities, gaining firsthand knowledge of legal processes.
• Court Observation: Students will observe court proceedings, including trials and hearings, to better understand courtroom dynamics.
• Interactive Q&A Sessions: Participants will engage directly with judges, attorneys, bailiffs, and court reporters, gaining valuable insights into their roles.
• Specialized Presentations: Interns will attend interactive sessions led by Crime Scene Investigators from the Crime Lab and attorneys
• Facility Tours: The program includes guided tours of the Crime Lab and the Broward Sheriff’s Office Main Jail.

(Photo Release Form, Crime Lab Tour form, Jail Tour Form)

• Demonstrate a strong interest in learning about the justice system.
• Between the ages of 15 and 18 years old.
• Enrolled in a Broward County High School
• Be a rising 10^th grader (Completed 9^th grade by start date of program)
• A minimum grade point average of 2.0
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Must attend program from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, for nine consecutive business days.
• Proper business casual attire is mandatory: shorts and T-shirts are not permitted.
• Business attire is required on the final day of the program.

*(Jail Tour Forms need to be notarized and brought in on the First day of the Summer Justice Program)