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Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission Summer Legal Internship Deadline
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Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission Summer Legal Internship Deadline

1/15/2025

When: Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Details

More than thirty years ago, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission of the New York State Courts became America’s first court-based commission established to eliminate racial bias in the legal system. We are a permanent independent commission of the New York State Courts, with a mandate to advance equal justice and promote diversity and inclusion within the judiciary, court workforce, and legal profession.

Commissioners are appointed by the Chief Judge of the State of New York, and include prominent judges, attorneys, and senior court personnel. Our work includes advising and educating New York Court System decision-makers on issues affecting both employees and litigants of color, implementing practical recommendations, and issuing reports designed to advance equal justice.

The Williams Commission is offering an unpaid, in-person, eight-week legal internship program for rising 2Ls and 3Ls (current 1Ls and 2Ls) interested in becoming a judge or public interest attorney. Interns are expected to participate 35 hours weekly. Legal interns will be paired with judges and receive rare opportunities to develop legal research, oral advocacy, and writing skills. Additional features of the program include weekly lunch-and-learn sessions with distinguished guest speakers and opportunities to network with members of the judiciary and court staff.

Eligibility:

  • Rising 2L or 3L law students (current 1Ls and 2Ls).

  • Demonstrated interest in racial justice, public interest law, or judicial service.

Contact Information:

Required Documents: (Must be one attachment)

  • A cover letter addressed to Executive Director Mary Lynn Nicolas-Brewster (highlight previous work involving diversity and/or equal justice issues)

  • Your resume

  • A writing sample responding to the prompt: Why is diversity, equity, and inclusion important to promoting full and equal participation and inclusion in the legal profession and in the court system? (in 250 words or less)

Program Dates:

  • Applications are due January 15, 2025

  • Program runs from: June 2, 2025 through July 31, 2025
 
 

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