Criminal Justice Externships

In these programs, students are placed in a variety of prosecution and public defense offices locally and nationally. Programs range from three to twelve credits, and activities range from helping lawyers with research or case preparation to fully litigating cases as attorney of record. These externships are especially valuable for students who may pursue careers in litigation or are looking for opportunities to put their oral, writing, investigative and research skills into practice in cases that move quickly to resolution. 

The most popular Criminal Justice externship is offered at state attorney and public defender offices throughout Florida; most offices offer both clerking and litigation opportunities. Other programs include the Innocence Project of Florida, United States Attorney, and Federal Public Defender. As program credit increases, students receive increasingly more challenging litigation experiences that engage more professional judgement and practice skills. 

Select Placements in Tallahassee

Office of the State Attorney 
Office of the Public Defender
Office of the U.S. Attorney 
Office of the Federal Public Defender
Innocence Project of Florida
Regional Conflict Counsel

Select Placements Outside of Tallahassee

State Attorney and Public Defender offices are available throughout Florida. Some litigation externships and all clerking externships are available out of state. Students may identify an office interested in sponsoring their externship. 

Students, please visit the FSU College of Law Externships site on Canvas for the most current externships information and to apply.