We highly recommend that every student enroll in one or more legal clinics before graduating from law school. This is your opportunity to apply what you have learned in the classroom to the world of legal practice by representing clients under the close supervision of dedicated FIU faculty members. It is an opportunity to learn which aspects of the practice of law you enjoy most, receive personalized feedback on your work and skills, and gain invaluable experience that will help you find a job after graduation.
We have opportunities for second-, third- and fourth-year students (full and part-time). Please visit the links to the left for information regarding each of the clinics along with any criteria for student selection (such as required and recommended courses).
Clinic Forms
- Application for Clinics (Fall 2013)
- Application for Certification
- Affidavit of Character and Fitness
Frequently Asked Questions
Students are not allowed to register for clinics without prior approval. Students must submit applications to the Clinical Program Administrator. Once a student has been selected, on the first day of registration a list is submitted to the registrar’s office and the Registrar will register the student.
Students can apply for more than one clinic. On the application, you have the option of choosing your first three choices. Only one application is needed.
If you have questions or would like advice concerning course selection, please visit the Clinical Program office, Room 1010, and ask for Zoraya Ledesma, the Clinic Administrator. You can also call her at 305-348-7541 or e-mail her at ledesmaz@fiu.edu. Ms. Ledesma will be happy to answer any general questions concerning registration and direct you to the appropriate faculty member for additional advice.
You do not need to be certified for participation in most of our law clinics. However,
students appearing in state court must be certified by the Florida Supreme Court as legal interns. In order to be certified, you must have a) completed 48 credit hours at a law school b) received your letter of clearance from the Board of Bar Examiners and c) be accepted into a clinic. The advantage to being certified as a law student is that it enables you, after graduation, to work as an attorney for a government or non-profit legal office before passing the bar.
Clinics that require certification because students appear in state court:
- Consumer Bankruptcy Externship Clinic
- Family and Education Law Clinic
- Immigrant Children’s Clinic
Clinics that recommend certification:
- Investor Advocacy Clinic
- Immigration and Human Rights Clinic
Clinics in which you could be certified but not necessary:
- Health Law and Policy (HELP) Clinic
- The Small Business Clinic (previously Community Development Clinic)
Clinics that do not certify students:
- Environmental Law Clinic
- Death Penalty Clinic