Government Practice Externship

This single semester or year-long externship is available to second- and third-year law students. It provides law students with hands-on experience in executive branch governance, policy development, and administrative law through placement in the General Counsel’s Office for the Executive or Legislative Branches of Government. Students may be placed in administrative agencies at the local, state, or federal Level. Throughout the externship, students will engage in legislative analysis, agency rulemaking review, executive order drafting, and policy research and policy development while acquiring professional skills essential for government practice. The intern will also attend special lectures, group discussion, and training sessions.

Students are required to attend a weekly class component.

  • Prerequisites: Successful completion of First Year
  • Co-requisites: None; Administrative Law is recommended but not required.
  • Course Credit: 12 (6 credits per semester) or 12 credits if full-time
  • Grading: Pass/Fail
  • Minimum Hourly Requirement:
    • 20 hours per week if 6 credits; 40 hours per week if 12 credits
  • Eligible Students: 2Ls and 3Ls
  • Florida Bar Notice of Registrant Clearance:
  • Clinic Location: Placement may be in Tallahassee, Washington, D.C., or any other place where the Administrative/Executive Branch Agency Headquarters is located. Class component will be held via Zoom or through other online meeting platforms.
  • Faculty: TBD

Juliette Valle

“As a Florida Gubernatorial Fellow placed at the Florida Department of Education within the Executive Office of the Governor, I worked closely with senior leadership, including the Commissioner of Education, supporting communications, policy research, and legislative initiatives. The fellowship also allowed me to travel and engage with leaders nationwide. Highlights included visiting Washington, D.C., meeting Justice Clarence Thomas, and participating in programming such as Camp Blanding and a visit to SpaceX. These experiences strengthened my understanding of leadership, public service, and the impact of government work. Contributing to communications at both the Department and Executive levels was incredibly rewarding, and the mentorship and community I found in Tallahassee will continue to shape my career.”